Berger hails young talent Gabby
Gabriel Agbonlahor has put in some impressive performances for Villa
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Friday, 02, Nov 2007 05:37
Aston Villa veteran Patrik Berger has claimed forward Gabby Agbonlahor is becoming "one of the top strikers in the Premier League".
The former Czech Republic international midfielder says he has seen a "massive improvement" in the England under-21 star since his arrival at Villa Park.
Agbonlahor, who was playing in the reserve team when Berger arrived from Portsmouth in 2005, has since become a dangerous first-team player and a regular under manager Martin O'Neill.
And Berger believes he will only continue to improve as he grows into a more confident player.
He told the Villa website: "He played for the reserve team when I came here and I think he has improved massively over that time.
"Now he knows how to use his speed. He can hold the ball very well and he's scoring goals. That's what it's all about. He has the speed and he can score goals. So I think he is a very important player for us.
"He will get even better and the confidence comes. The more he plays in the Premier League and the more he plays against the top players, he will realise they are only human beings and he can play against anyone.
"He is strong, he has the speed and he is improving every single game. I think he is one of the top strikers in the league."
Villa's next test is at home to struggling Derby County and Agbonlahor will be hoping to add to his goal tally of four so far this season against the Rams' leaky defence, which has conceded 24 goals already this term.