Aston Villa centre-back Axel Tuanzebe has heaped praise on his teammate James Chester and says he feels a strong partnership forming with the Welshman.

Tuanzebe has been the subject of plenty of praise over the last few weeks for his defensive performances since manager Dean Smith took charge of the club, saying he only expects to grow stronger alongside the Villa captain.

“I’m sure everyone who has played with Chester can only say he is a good person," he told Manchester United's official website.

"As a captain, he is there when you need him and those characteristics show whilst we are on the pitch.

"I am feeling a strong partnership forming.”

The 21-year-old moved back to Villa Park in the summer on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United after spending the previous season with the club as well.

In the early stages of the campaign he was played out of position at right-back by Steve Bruce, who opted to put midfielder Mile Jedinak alongside Chester instead.

But, Smith was quick to move Tuanzebe back into the middle of the defence when he took charge and it has paid dividends, with the United man quickly becoming one of the club's most important components.

Villa currently sit in 11th place in the Championship table and after a 3-0 win against Derby County on the weekend, are now just four points away from the play-off spots.

The Verdict 

This is the most excited Aston Villa fans have been all season by far, and comments like this will only help enforce that even more.

Last season, the defensive partnership between John Terry and James Chester was arguably the most important component of the club's run to the play-off final.

If they can make the partnership between Chester and Tuanzebe as strong as that they will have a very real chance of winning automatic promotion, let alone a place in the play-offs.

Thoughts? Let us know! 

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