Aston Villa hero Ron Vlaar is excited to see them face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League.
Former AZ defender Vlaar is now youth coach with the Eredivisie club.
“I could not be more happy about it," he told the Express & Star. “I only played for three clubs in my career and when I left Villa and they got relegated, there was nothing in my head thinking two clubs I played for would meet in a European game.
“It is really special for me. Villa are in a much better place now and it is so good to see.
"When Villa reached Europe I thought: 'Oh, maybe (they will play AZ). There is just a little chance'," says Vlaar. “I didn't see the draw live but I got a text message from a friend straight away. I thought: 'Wow, it is special'.
“AZ play proper football, they have a plan, an identity. Tactically, they are very good. They are filled with confidence, of course, with all the wins in their back pocket.
“It looks good but it is the same for Villa and the Premier League is the stronger league.
“It's a massive game for both teams. For me, Villa are favourites to be top of the table and I think AZ has a good chance to go through.
“It's a big test for AZ to play against Villa in such good form. They had the experience against West Ham last year but Villa is a different level to that now. I am curious how we deal with the intensity and the pressure and the qualities of Villa."
