Dean Smith tips Anwar El Ghazi to shine with winger set for Aston Villa recall

The 24-year-old is in line to take the place of the suspended Trezeguet following the Egyptian international’s sending-off in Villa’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace prior to the international break.

One of last season’s loan stars, El Ghazi joined in a permanent £8million deal from Lille over the summer and started the club’s first two Premier League league games before losing his place.

Despite acknowledging the Dutch international’s performances had been below par, Smith believes he has the right mentality to bounce back.

“We speak to all the players about their individual performances and what they need to bring to the party,” said Smith.

“Ghazi knew in the first couple of games he was not as good as he could have been and he had to fight to get his place back. He has been working hard in training.

“He is one who has been with me for some time now and knows when I first came in I wasn’t happy with his performances and left him out of the squad.

“He fought his way back and that is what he is doing in training. I expect a top performance from him against West Ham.”

Villa head into Monday’s game having lost three of their opening four fixtures, allowing the most shots on goal of any team in the top flight.

But Smith, who likes his team to play on the front foot, is not planning a change of approach.

“I don’t think we have given too many big chances away that we need to shore it up with two holding midfielders,” he said. “We are playing one or two in there at the moment. I have scope to change it if I want.”