Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has praised Ron Vlaar for the leadership qualities and experience he brings to the side.

The Dutchman was installed as captain of the club at the start of the season, and Guzan says that his teammates have a great deal of respect for him.

"Ron a big player for us, no doubt about it," he told the club's official website. "He's an established centre-half and a Dutch international so his quality is there for all to see.

"He brings leadership, organisation and experience when he plays. To have him in the team every time he plays is huge for us. Obviously he's had some injuries but he's played the last few games and we've benefitted from that. He's been great for us in there.

"He has that presence. He's commanding. He has that aura. He's a good talker in there at centre-half. He leads by example. I think he can get better too. He's a good skipper too. He has taken that responsibility on well. The lads respect him greatly."

Vlaar joined Villa in 2012 from Feyenoord, and has won 22 caps for the Netherlands national side.