Marc Albrighton has backed new signing Karim El Ahmadi to have a big impact at Villa Park next season.

El Ahmadi signed for Aston Villa from Feyenoord on a three-year contract, becoming the first new arrival since Paul Lambert's appointment as manager.

Albrighton told Villa's official club website that he believes El Ahmadi will be an asset to the team.

"Feyenoord are a massive name and for that reason they will only have quality players in their ranks," he said. "If we are signing players from their team, who qualified for the Champions League, it just shows how big Villa are."

"Karim obviously plays in central midfield and that's a vital area on the pitch. I think he can do a job for us in there. The reports I have heard are that he is a real quality player."

El Ahmadi will join Albrighton and the rest of his new colleagues as Villa begin pre-season training on Thursday.