John Terry: Five things the centre-back brings to Aston Villa

Experience - and winning ones at that

Five Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three league cups, one Europa League and one Champions League. If that's not a good pedigree, then there's no such thing.

Whilst many fans might note that Villa aren't challenging for any of those trophies this season (barring an unprecedented cup run), his winning experiences in those competitions is incredibly hard to find.

He'll undoubtedly offer plenty to Villa's youngsters, and his know-how will only help the club across the field.

Simply put, he knows how to win - and that's nothing less of what's expected of Steve Bruce's side this season.

Leadership on the pitch

James Chester has performed brilliantly since becoming Villa's captain, and Mile Jedinak has also proved an avid leader on the turf - but Terry is a class above.

The 36-year-old has captained England on the biggest stage and also skippered Chelsea to their five Premier League titles during his time at the club.

He'll be vocal on the pitch and in the dressing room, and in what's one of the toughest leagues in the world to get out of, that quality will be invaluable.

No disrespect to Chester and Jedinak, but the man knows how to lead a team.

Goals from the back

Whilst the 36-year-old is better known for his desire to stop goals, he's pretty decent at sticking them in at the other end too.

He's totalled 41 goals over his Chelsea career, with his presence at corners and free-kicks something which opponents need to be wary of.

Whilst he won't be racing alongside the likes of Jonathan Kodjia for the club's golden boot, he'll be sure to offer a goal now and then through a season where Villa need to be scoring more often.

Future management material?

Terry has made no secret of his decision to get into management when he retires.

Whilst he may favour a coaching role at Chelsea - having him at Villa could help him walk into a coaching role at B6 should he hang up his boots.

As mentioned before, he has plenty of knowledge to pass on, and whilst his age has slowed him down, he can still read the game brilliantly.

This makes for a promising coaching prospect in the former Chelsea man, and one that could be nurtured in Villa's backroom staff if he can be tempted to stay.

A Championship fear factor

It was proven last season that teams weren't scared of going toe-to-toe with Aston Villa, especially away from Villa Park.

Having a stalwart like Terry lining up in Bruce's back-four may strike a little bit of fear into Villa's opponents this season, even if they might not know it.

Big, powerful and with the mindset of putting his body on the line, Terry's presence won't just worry those against him, but will also help inspire confidence across that claret and blue defence.

Having him there could help Villa have an edge before a ball is even kicked.