By Paul Brown

Richard Dunne has been paid the highest possible compliment - by the man he replaced.

Former Villa star defender Martin Laursen, who was such a big crowd favourite before being forced to retire, described Dunne as "even better than me."

Laursen hailed the Republic of Ireland international as being fearless and always up for the battle.

He was thoroughly impressed with Dunne's performances in his opening campaign in claret and blue - and expects more of the same from the imposing centre-half as the new season draws near.

He said: "I was so impressed with the defence last season. They were terrific.

"Stephen [Warnock] impressed me at left-back but in my mind he wasn't quite as impressive as Richard.

"It was his first year at the club and everyone was talking about the fact I had retired and what a big blow it was for the club.

"Then he came and was handed the number five shirt and played even better than me. That was a big achievement.

"Richard really impressed me a lot. He was really, really good.

"I can see a lot of things in me that Richard has. He is very physical and a good guy to have in your team.

"He takes responsibility for things and always gives 100 per cent for the side. I would like to think I was that sort of player as well.

"He wins a lot of headers and can score goals as well. I can understand the comparisons.

"I would have liked to play with him - but then again, I would have been happy to play.

"One of the main characteristics of being a central defender is being fearless. That is so, so important - and particularly in England where the game is so physical.

"There are a lot of long balls and you need to win your battles in the air and on the ground too. It's important when you defend but also when you go up for corners or free-kicks.

"It's important you are not afraid and really, really up for it. Richard is up for it."

Laursen also believes Stan Petrov's brilliance as an anchor man will be key for Villa next season as he allows the likes of Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Gabby Agbonlahor to attack with abandon.

Petrov has been the lynchpin of the claret and blue side for the past three seasons, breaking up opposition play with amazing regularity.

Laursen, no stranger to defensive brilliance, insists Petrov's defensive midfield role cannot be underestimated as it helps Villa tick.

He added: "Stiliyan played a lot of games last season and has was important for the team in all of them.

"He is the captain and he is acting like a captain, taking on a lot of responsibility on the pitch. He has stepped into that role very well.

"He always seems to play well and put in a top performance but more importantly he does play a lot of games. And it's definitely quality and quantity from him.

"He is brilliant with the other players - he talks to them, encourages them and shows those characteristics you want to see from your captain.

"He plays that holding midfield role very well.

"When you have so many good offensive players like they do at Villa, it is extremely important to have one tactically excellent player who can hold in the midfield, in front of the back four and can play with the ball as well.

"He is so good at breaking up play and protecting but additionally he can play it too."