Thursday, 20th March, 2014
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has heaped praise on Leandro Bacuna for his impressive outings this season.
The Dutchman, who joined the Villains from FC Groningen during the summer transfer window, has cemented his spot as the club’s preferred right-back.
mobile ad
However, Bacuna has stood out because of his impressive goalscoring tally – he has thus far scored five goals in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has found the back of the net against Manchester City, Norwich City, Cardiff City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.
relatedNewsStory
But Lambert, who feels Bacuna has been a “big bonus” for Aston Villa, was most impressed with the defender’s strike against the Canaries.
"Leo has a very impressive tally – and from right-back”, the manager told his club’s official site.
"That's really great, particularly when you consider he's just here in the Premier League. He's only just arrived really.
"He's been a big bonus for us. He's offered us a really attacking threat.
"Look at his goal against Norwich. He and [Andreas] Weimann start virtually parallel with each other on the 18-yard box.
"Gabby [Gabriel Agbonlahor] passes to Andi and he slips Leo in. It was a great goal and his fitness levels were great.
"He's got that in his game – great energy. But to chip in with that amount of goals has been a big bonus."
Bacuna, whose contract with Villa runs until 2016, has made 30 appearances in all competitions for the club.
He is yet to earn a senior cap for the Netherlands but has represented the nation at Under-19 and Under-21 levels.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
