Guzan backs Villa new boys

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan believes that the club’s new signings can help them enjoy a successful season.

The USA international is currently away with the rest of the Villa squad as part of their pre-season tour of Germany and has been impressed with what he has seen from the latest additions to Paul Lambert’s side.

Aleksandar Tonev, Leandro Bacuna, Nicklas Helenius, Jed Steer, Antonio Luna and Jores Okore all featured in the 1-1 draw against SV Rodinghausen on Wednesday – with Helenius netting his first goal.

Guzan took heart from the way all six settled in to their new surroundings, and says that they bring the perfect mentality to help the club progress.

“The manager is clearly bringing in players who are hungry and eager to learn,” he wrote in a blog on the club’s official website. “They want to do well and help the team, that’s vitally important.

“When you create that environment, which the manager is doing, good things will happen.

“The manager has certainly done his homework in terms of bringing in fresh faces and new players who are going to add to the team spirit and the team quality.

“It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.

“The new lads are coming into a team who went through a lot last year. They have settled in quickly which is important and I’m sure they will help us this year in a big way.”