Aston Villa defender Philippe Senderos has expressed his belief that midfielder Carlos Sanchez will be an important player at the club this season.

The 28-year-old joined Paul Lambert's side from Elche in the summer and has played sparingly for the Villans during the first two months of the campaign.

However, Senderos is adamant that the Colombian has all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premier League.

"I saw him playing last year at Elche and with the Colombian national team," Senderos told the club's official website.

"I think he's a very good player, very strong and can play in front of the defence.

"He's going to help us. His power and experience over the season, also his international experience, will be big qualities for us and I'm sure he is going to settle in pretty quickly."

Villa are currently 10th in the Premier League after seven matches this season.