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Carlos Sanchez admits that he under-estimated the pace of the Premier League before arriving at Aston Villa this summer.

The Colombian has struggled to reach top gear in his five outings so far this term and is still settling into new surroundings.

Speaking about the intensity of the top-flight, Sanchez said:

“It is strange because before I came I only saw the Premier League on television.

“Everybody used to say to me ‘wait and see - the Premier League is really quick’.

“But it is only when you join it and you start to play that you realise just how quick it is.

“I am now aware of the speed that is required. I’m training well and physically I feel good as part of the team.

“I’m looking forward to playing again soon and as soon as I’m back on the pitch I know the tempo I’ll need to play at.”

The defensive midfielder agrees that he has not yet hit the heights that made him a success in this summer’s World Cup.

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Having played in Ligue One with Valanciennes and at Elche in La Liga it shouldn’t take him too long to adjust.

His only top-flight start came against Arsenal when, along with a number of other first-teamers, he found himself second-best.

However boss Paul Lambert has no doubts that he will develop into a key player as the season progresses.

Having fought hard to sign him before the transfer window closed, Lambert knows his importance.

He admitted when he arrived at Villa that it took him just five minutes to realise what a class act he was.

Although Villa fans have yet to see the best in him, staff are convinced it won't be long before he shows just what he is made of.

(Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Throughout the season there will be games where Villa’s midfielders are injured, suspended or out-of-form and Sanchez will be waiting to step in.

“I really hope the fans of Aston Villa are happy with my work,” added the man known as The Rock.

“I’m feeling very good. I’m very happy and it is a great dressing room I have found. The staff are great and the club is organised very well.

“Everybody congratulated me when I joined and they are very happy to have me here.

“That was all I needed in order to feel happy about coming here.

“My debut against Newcastle was very emotional for me and it felt great.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was magnificent and I’ve got to take advantage of this chance now.

“I enjoyed the Arsenal game but it is a shame we didn’t win.”