Premier League: Paul Lambert believes new signing Carles Gil will shine at Aston Villa
Wednesday 14 January 2015 13:10, UK
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert believes new signing Carles Gil could inject the guile which has been lacking in the team’s attacking play this season.
Villa have scored just 11 times in the Premier League and have struggled to create chances all season.
Gil, who can play on either wing, arrived at Villa on a four-and-a-half year deal from Spanish club Valencia on Tuesday.
Technically he's excellent, he’s really comfortable with the ball, which you expect from him, and I’m looking forward to working with him.
Although Lambert is confident the 22-year-old will be an astute signing, the Scot stressed Gil must be given time to settle at the club.
“He’ll give us something I think we’ve been crying out for,” Lambert said. “That creativity spark, and that’s what we’ve been needing to finish off the work.
“We needed someone like him to unlock doors and try and make things happen. But as I’ve said before, I’m not going to put masses of expectancy level when he’s just here.
“He’s 22, great potential to be a really good player. He’s played in La Liga, knows the game, he’s been at a massive club, played against great teams and great players and he’s someone who will excite everybody.
“Technically he's excellent, he’s really comfortable with the ball, which you expect from him, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Gil, who returned to the Mestalla at the start of the season after two years on loan at Elche, is eager to get going for his new club.
"This is the best league in the world," he said. "It's very different from the Spanish league and very difficult. I'm very happy to be able to participate in the league and play.
"They're a big club in the Premier League, a historic club. I'm very pleased to be here. I'm looking forward to training with the team first of all, to get to know all my team-mates and to be in position and ready."
