Carlos Cuellar has been 'splendid' says Martin O'Neill
Jan 2 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
MANAGER Martin O’Neill has saluted Carlos Cuellar’s rise to prominence at the heart of Villa’s defence this season.
Cuellar endured a difficult first year in English football after signing from Rangers for £7.8million in August 2008.
The language barrier and playing out of position at right-back made it hard for the Spanish centre half to settle in.
But Cuellar has excelled since returning to his natural role alongside Richard Dunne in place of the injured James Collins.
And so impressive has his improvement been that the former Osasuna player was recently linked with a move to Real Madrid.
O’Neill admits he has been delighted with the progress Cuellar has made as part of Villa’s new look defence this term.
“Obviously there has been a marked difference and it’s been very pleasing,” said O’Neill. “You would have to say that the loss of Martin Laursen last season was inestimable.
“I felt that the players who came in – I know James Collins has been injured recently – gave us all a big lift at that time.
“They have certainly proven their worth and Carlos has done exceptionally well at right-back and in the middle of defence.
“He played a major part in Rangers’ run to the UEFA Cup final and he was playing against quality opposition then as well.
“Last season he had no real proper pre-season whatsoever, he was injured so by the time he came along he was probably a wee bit short of proper match fitness and it does take time.
“He settled in, his English is much better. It’s a difficult to come into a scene this size and want to try to make an immediate impression.
“I think he has been splendid.”
