Arsenal legend Martin Keown sees similarities between Arsene Wenger and new Aston Villa manager Remi Garde, who he has dubbed an "intelligent football man".
Aston Villa have turned to Garde to rescue their season after slumping under former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood and Keown believes his former team-mate has walked into a big job at Villa Park.
Garde arrives at Villa Park with only a spell in charge of French outfit Lyon on his CV, but Keown rates the former midfielder highly and sees similarities between Wenger and the new Aston Villa manager, especially in the way he has a feel for the game.
Keown, who played alongside Garde at Arsenal between 1996 and 1999, told Aston Villa's official site: "Remi came to Arsenal as an international with a good reputation.
"Though he didn't play much – injuries hampered his career at the club – he made a big impression and was an important part of Arsene Wenger's strategy", Keown continued.
relatedNewsStory
"Remi is an intelligent football man but I always felt he was very intuitive as well.
"He had a good feel for the game and in many respects was very similar to Arsene.
"He had a calm, considered approach as a player and I fully expect him to continue that as a manager."
Keown also counts Aston Villa amongst his former clubs, having turned out for the Villa Park outfit from 1986 until 1989, and he feels Garde has walked into a big job.
"Now he has a big job on his hands. I played for Aston Villa so can appreciate the size and history of the club", the ex-defender added.
