Dean Smith: Anwar El Ghazi grabbing Aston Villa chance

The Dutchman scored a screamer in a superb performance in Friday night’s derby with Albion at The Hawthorns, following on from another excellently taken goal in the 5-5 draw against Nottingham Forest.

And Smith believes the 23-year-old, signed on loan from French Ligue 1 side Lille, is beginning to show his capabilities after grasping his chance of first team action with both hands.

““I keep saying to the players that there will be chances – they need to be ready,” said Smith.

“We played a behind-closed-doors game and he (El Ghazi) scored four and could have scored a lot more.

“His attitude has been great. And he can score those kind of goals quite often – he’s a threat.”

And the head coach believes El Ghazi is finding his feet at Villa. “There’s always a transition period for people who come into the Championship,” Smith added. ”It’s very hard physically. Certainly, he’s back and ready.”