Former Aston Villa attacker Bertrand Traore has praised the job Unai Emery has done at the club.

Traore had to leave the Midlands team in the winter to get regular game time in Spain.

However, as Villa prepare to take on Ajax in the Europa League, Traore gave his verdict on his old teams.

"I was there for the pre-season and saw how the team has developed," Traore told Ajax's website.

"They have world class players and one of the best managers in the world, I think.

"Aston Villa is a great, passionate club with incredible supporters. They have an incredible history, and now they're back on the European stage where they belong."

"They have a lot of top players and have a lot of confidence. They're well-organized with a lot of individual quality. But Ajax is a great club.

"They aren't in the running to win the league right now, but sometimes you can rise above yourself in Europe. It will be a fantastic match.

"Villarreal plays at 9pm, but I am not registered. I will definitely try to watch the game before that. May the best team win."