Former Aston Villa player Aaron Tshibola has given Mbwana Samatta a glowing endorsement in The Athletic.

What did he say?

The 25-year-old's comment was included in a wider article about the Tanzania international, ahead of his potential move to Villa Park.

Tshibola played for the club a total of 10 times, being loaned out to various Football League sides, as well as Kilmarnock, before departing permanently to join Waasland-Beveren in the summer of 2019.

It is this move that has put him in the perfect position to provide a judgement on Samatta, as he explained: “He’s a powerhouse striker who will turn out to be a great acquisition for Villa.

“I’ve played against him twice, once at international level for Congo and also in the league here in Belgium. He’s a real player, a leader, quick, and scores a lot of goals. He will add power up top and his heading strength is crazy. He must have like 99 per cent heading accuracy!”

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Positive sign

Having someone who will have seen Samatta playing up close describing him in this way should definitely be a positive sign for Villa.

Their need for a striker is clear, as they once again had to play without an established frontman during their 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

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However, they will be hoping to sign somebody who can do more than merely fill a gap, as Dean Smith's side bids to maintain its Premier League status past the current campaign.

One obvious thing they will be looking for is goals, with the 27-year-old having scored 10 in 23 starts and three substitute appearances across the Jupiler League and Champions League.

The other qualities that Tshibola mentions, such as the speed, aerial ability and power will be useful tools for the likes of Jack Grealish to utilise.

If Tshibola's word is correct, then Villa could be handing themselves a boost in their survival chances with this acquisition.

Meanwhile, Villa's midfield could benefit from the presence of an enforcer they have been linked with.