Aston Villa's Carlos Cuellar is bristling to make his mark
‘‘But I never like to compare myself with other players. We are different kinds of defenders.”
Cuellar might have shunned the shaver for the time being, but the hirsute Holte End hero admits he is hoping to be razor-sharp by the time the season kicks off.
The 28-year-old’s pre-season preparations last season were disrupted by his £7.8 million move from Ibrox and subsequent injury problems.
“I don’t feel fit now because it’s early, but every day I’m getting stronger,” said Cuellar.
“We are working hard to get fit.
“Is the pre-season harder than in Spain? It’s not much different because the coaches have very similar ideas and methods.
“Last year I was not fit for pre-season. When I arrived here from Rangers I had an injury so it was difficult but this year I’m feeling really good.”
Cuellar is itching to show off his facial fuzz to family and friends when Villa travel to his homeland to play in the Peace Cup later this week.
“I was really happy when I heard the news Villa would be playing in Spain,” he added.
“The Peace Cup is important for us. We’re going to be playing for a big trophy. My friends and family are going to be coming to watch so it’s going to be special.
“The boys know that the weather is going to be hot. Everywhere is hot in Spain at this time of year.’’
