Karim El Ahmadi: I've improved at Aston Villa
Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi believes the Premier League's win-at-all-costs mentality has improved him as a player.
Morocco international El Ahmadi became manager Paul Lambert's first signing when he arrived from Feyenoord for £2m last summer.
The 28-year-old made his debut in the opening day defeat to West Ham and has gone on to play 19 times this season. And he says he now has a better understanding of what is required to compete as he prepares to face the Hammers when they visit Villa Park this weekend.
"I have learned a lot about English football from that first game. I have sensed here it is all about winning," said El Ahmadi.
"When I was playing in Holland, if you lost, the Dutch players would say 'we played well there' but here in England it doesn't matter how you play just as long as you win. If you get that victory it is OK. From the first game to now I have developed a stronger mentality towards winning which is a positive. That's the big difference. Mentally you always have to be ready to win the games, be strong and have focus."
Villa are currently two points adrift of safety in 19th place but, despite a season of struggles, El Ahmadi remains upbeat about their chances of beating the drop.
"I think that the players and everyone at the club knows what we have to do. We have to be ready for this battle from now until the end of the season," said El Ahmadi.
"As players we all stay together and we are good team. It's not like any players are alone. We are all together and that's why I have the confidence we will get out of the relegation zone. We know what we have to do against West Ham at home. I made my debut against them and it would be nice to make amends for that defeat earlier in the season."
El Ahmadi has just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations duty with Morocco – who were knocked out at the group stages after three draws - and insisted the style of football at the tournament bears comparison with the English top-flight.
"I think the Africa Cup of Nations is actually similar to the Premier League if you compare it. A lot of long balls and a bit of 'fight' football. But here the game is much quicker, also the weather much colder!" added El Ahmadi.
