Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is backing Paul Lambert for success at Aston Villa.
Hitzfeld won the Champions League with Lambert at Borussia Dortmund.
Hitzfeld said: "I have always followed Paul since he left Dortmund, and I congratulated him on his promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City.
"As a player, he always thought like a coach. He was a leader so it is no surprise that he has become a successful manager.
"Paul was a very good team player. That is one of the most important qualities as a coach and manager of a team."