Tyrone Mings is the real leader on the pitch and in the dressing room at Aston Villa, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Mings was a hugely important figure for Dean Smith last season, missing just two games in the Villans' Premier League campaign.

The term prior, the £27m-rated England defender made 30 plus appearances as he helped Villa retain their place in the top flight.

At present, the brilliant Jack Grealish is Villa captain. But in terms of being the real sort of commander in Smith's side, Mings currently holds that role, according to Hatfield.

"I look at the likes of Ezri Konsa, who for me was maybe slightly better than Tyrone Mings last season, but he doesn't offer quite the same vocal leadership as someone like Tyrone Mings," the Aston Villa journalist told FFC. "It's similar with someone like Jack Grealish.

"Mings is kind of the real loud voice in that dressing room and on the pitch."

Defensively, Villa were really good last season thanks to the likes of Mings, Konsa and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Across their 38 Premier League fixtures, the Midlands club conceded just 46 goals. To put that into perspective, only six outfits, including champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Chelsea conceded less goals (via WhoScored).

It gives Smith a strong foundation to build on this upcoming season.