With Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley leading Aston Villa's incredible start to the new Premier League season, it's been no surprise to see the duo earn a lot of praise in these opening months of the campaign.

They have been part of a scintillating attack that has scored 19 goals, ranking them fourth in the entire division. And that too having played a game less.

And whilst Watkins and Barkley are rightly receiving their fair share of the plaudits, it's been another one of Villa's summer arrivals that has arguably been Dean Smith's unsung hero this season: Matty Cash.

After arriving in a £16m deal from Championship side Nottingham Forest, the right-back has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the first-team, usurping Ahmed Elmohamady to be the club's undisputed first-choice in his position.

He has played in every single Premier League game this season for his new side, and Kevin Phillips has admitted that he has been left in awe of his performances.

He said: "I hold my hands up. Credit to Matty Cash. Some players fit a club and a style of play and Matty Cash is one of them. Tony Adams even said that he reminds him of a young Lee Dixon.

“Cash has come in and he has been flawless. He has taken to the club like a duck to water. You have to give credit to the player and the recruitment department. They have obviously done their homework. He has been one of their shining lights this season."

Right-back isn't the most fashionable of positions to end up playing in. Who can forget when Jamie Carragher declared that nobody grows up wanting to be a Gary Neville for instance?

But the way Cash has been performing, has been nothing short of impressive. And it's about time he gets his recognition. Johan Lange pulled off a stunning Villa heist to get him for just £16m.