Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was complimentary towards an upcoming opponent.

The Blues are set to take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round, as they chase trophies.

Already through to the Carabao Cup final, Chelsea are hoping they can go deep in the FA Cup.

Asked about Villa's season so far, Pochettino stated: "No, they have not surprised me because first of all, I believe that Unai Emery is one of the best coaches in the world. He is creating a very good organization at Aston Villa.

“They have very, very good players, amazing players. It's very clear the project of Aston Villa and that is why they are performing and winning games.

"No, they have not surprised me. I am so happy for him and all the people who are involved in this project, because I know so well, too many Spanish guys there and we know really well. We are so happy because they are doing a fantastic job."

On Villa's strengths, he added: "The way that they play, the philosophy, the idea of football, the quality of the player, there are too many.

“I am not going to go tactically but you can feel they are a very solid team with clear ideas and then experienced players with young guys, also, it's a very good squad that is performing really well."