George Boateng has revealed that he is "very happy" that his former club Aston Villa were able to retain the services of captain Ron Vlaar during the summer transfer window.

Following his impressive performances at the World Cup, the Netherlands international was linked with a host of clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Southampton.

However, the 29-year-old stayed at Villa Park, which has pleased his compatriot Boateng.

"Ron is my favourite player at Villa because of what he brings to the team. I know him well from our time with the national team and because he also played for Feyenoord," Boateng is quoted as saying by the Birmingham Mail. "I played in his first game for Holland against Italy in Amsterdam and he has shown what a great defender he is.

"He is not my favourite player because of our connections together but because of his solidity on the pitch. He was immense at the World Cup and I think he surprised a lot of people as to how good he actually is. He has become a rock for club and country and I am very happy that Villa managed to keep him."

Vlaar joined Villa from Feyenoord back in 2012.