'I’ve not often liked watching Aston Villa teams' - the Wolves verdict that may surprise claret and blue fans

Former Wolves skipper Conor Coady has admitted that despite Aston Villa not always being a favourite team of his, the work that Unai Emery has done at the Premier League club is nothing short of remarkable.

The former England defender's fierce allegiances to Villa's local rivals Wolves, means that showering the enemy with praise is not the kind of thing you do as a former leader of the opposition pack.

Speaking on Monday Night Club, Coady said: “It’s incredible, not many people could predict Aston Villa being in the Champions League.

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“First and foremost, I think the manager’s been incredible. I think how he goes about his business, the interviews he’s given, where he’s gone, leaving Arsenal a few years ago and what he’s gone on and done has been incredible.

“And now, this season, I love watching his teams, I’ll be honest. And I’ve not said that often because I was a Wolves player for many, many years. I’ve not often liked watching Aston Villa teams, but I just think he’s a credit.”

"I have played with Ollie Watkins for England, he is a fantastic player but he has taken him to an absolute new level. He is a nightmare to play against by the way because he does not stop.

"He really doesn’t he is constantly trying to run in behind, he is strong when he holds it to his feet, he can finish, he is always on the move in the box. How that manager has improved him has been fantastic and how he has improved the whole football club has been brilliant. "

Coady is currently at Leicester City as they battle for promotion back to the Premier League. So far this season he has seen his playing time limited and his Foxes career remains uncertain at the end of the season.