Tim Sherwood has labelled Ashley Westwood as Aston Villa's answer to Michael Carrick.
The 25-year old midfielder has stepped into the central midfield role with aplomb for Sherwood recently and the boss suggests he is as important at Villa Park as Carrick is at Manchester United.
"He's definitely my cup of tea," Sherwood said. "He's the sort of footballer I like.
"He's not going to score you a bag full of goals but if you analyse him he passes the ball forward more than most. He slides it in between the midfield, gets the No 10 on the ball.
"He passes it so quick the commentator does not have time to say his name. That's what I like. He's the Michael Carrick mould of a player and I think he can get better.
"I'm happy with what he's doing. He's going nowhere and you can tell him and his agent that. He's one of my favourite players."