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Tom Cleverley is looking forward to expressing himself in an advanced role for Aston Villa.

The midfielder is excited about the season ahead and wants to unleash his attacking qualities in the weeks to come.

So far this season Cleverley has been restricted to a defensive role as Villa have had to sit deep in the games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

But as the fixture list starts to relent, the on-loan Manchester United ace is hoping to showcase some of his skills with an attack-minded approach.

“I like playing in the midfield three,” said Cleverley, who lines up alongside Ashley Westwood and Fabian Delph in an all-English trio.

“All my best games for Manchester United and England have tended to be in a three.

“That’s a system we play here so it suits me.

“I want to be more advanced in that three and hit both boxes.”

Cleverley admits that his poor form for United last season was partly down to the system and position he was asked to play in.

“If you looked at the games, the areas I was playing in were a little bit deeper and under different systems,” he said.

“It probably didn’t suit my game perfectly.

“I’m motivated to prove a few people wrong. And hopefully that does increase my performances.”

Manager Paul Lambert has been pleased with his dogged and disciplined displays since his arrival.

He has made more tackles than any other Villa midfielder and also has a higher success rate from his challenges.

PICTURES - Tom Cleverley's career:

What Cleverley has managed to do is settle in quickly to his new surroundings and instantly make an impact on the team.

Like Westwood he does the simple things well and rarely gives away possession.

This season he has an 89 per-cent passing accuracy which is higher than his fellow central midfielders – Delph and Westwood’s accuracy are both ranked at 83 per cent.

Cleverley is also better in possession on the attack and less fazed under pressure.

He has found a team-mate with 87 per-cent of his passes that are made in the opponent’s half whereas Delph (77 per cent) and Westwood (73 per cent) are slightly behind.

While his start has been impressive there is certainly more to come.

Lambert reckons he is getting better with every game and soon he will need to chip in with goals and assists to prove his worth.

Speaking recently, Cleverley revealed how he was excited about his new beginning.

The days of being criticised at United are in the past and the 25-year-old is happy in his life again.

“Last year at times it wasn’t enjoyable and you play your best football when you’re enjoying yourself,” he said.

“I certainly am enjoying myself now, so hopefully that can show for Villa on the pitch.

“I am just looking forward now. Every footballer wants the best opportunity to play and I felt like it was here at Villa.

“I don’t see this as a backward step at all.

“I see this as getting back to basics, playing every week and pushing on from here.”