Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph admits Carlo Cuellar was a huge influence last season as he battled back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Spanish defender has also been working hard at Villa's training HQ during the off-season after undergoing knee operation.
"With Carlos around every day is entertaining," Delph told Villa's website. "He has had a knee operation and his spirit is so high.
"His motivation and desire to get back fit just makes me look up to him as a professional.
"He is still the same chirpy guy who is joking and laughing every two minutes.
"That helps. If you are here alone you are dragging yourself through it where as if there is somebody else who is injured and working with you it keeps your spirits high and helps you push on."
