On march 2011 · tribalfootball.com
Former Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen feels Carlos Cuellar's return will boost their survival prospects.
Laursen insists the return to action of Cuellar would be a massive boost because of his all-action game, stressing the Spanish ace is "really up for it" in every match.
He told Villa's website: "One of the main characteristics of being a central defender is being fearless. That is so, so important - and particularly in England where the game is so physical.
"There are a lot of long balls and you need to win your battles in the air and on the ground too. It's important when you defend but also when you go up for corners or free-kicks.
"It's important you are not afraid and really, really up for it. Carlos is very much up for it.
"Carlos has been really impressive when he's played this season. He may not have played as much as he's liked because of injury but, trust me, he has real quality. Just look at his defensive headers. He can jump high and wins a lot in the air - a lot.
"Every time he's played he has been brilliant. He just seems to win every header.
"Physically he is very fit too. He played for Rangers in Scotland before he joined Villa so you could say he was used to British football but the Scottish League is not the Premier League.
"In England you have to perform week-in, week-out. It can take some time. But he's right up to speed with the top-flight.
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