Aston Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi is convinced he's improved since his arrival from Feyenoord.

El Ahmadi says he now has a better understanding of what is required to compete at Premier League level.

"I have learned a lot about English football from that first game. I have sensed here it is all about winning," said El Ahmadi.

"When I was playing in Holland, if you lost, the Dutch players would say 'we played well there' but here in England it doesn't matter how you play just as long as you win. If you get that victory it is OK. From the first game to now I have developed a stronger mentality towards winning which is a positive. That's the big difference. Mentally you always have to be ready to win the games, be strong and have focus."