Dean Smith comments on new Aston Villa signing Pepe Reina’s leadership qualities

Add as preferred source on Google

Dean Smith has already praised the leadership qualities of new Aston Villa signing Pepe Reina as he seeks to guide his side away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Villa’s official Twitter account posted a video of Smith explaining that Reina can make up for the Premier League experience that Tom Heaton’s injury has removed from his side.

He said: “Everybody knew at the start of the season I was looking for a goalkeeper with Premier League experience and Tom has been a big plus.

“It was important we moved quickly and very fortunate to get someone so vastly experienced and has got the leadership qualities in the dressing room as well. We’re really pleased to have Pepe in the building.”

TBR’s View – Heaton can still be useful behind the scenes

Smith will hope that even though Heaton has been ruled out of action and has seen a new goalkeeper come in, he can still help behind the scenes.

Heaton knows what the Premier League is about – he has been in the lower reaches with Burnley – and can help keep spirits high during the dogfight.

Reina is more accustomed to life near the top, but his experience and trophy-winning quality should add confidence to Villa’s ranks.