Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins were Villa's deadline-day captures on Thursday - and Sylla made his debut in the scintillating draw with Everton on Saturday.

Check out an image gallery of Sylla in action.

The 22-year-old, wearing No.18, was a 79th minute replacement for Charles N'Zogbia.

Initially he was used as an advanced midfielder, linking up with Christian Benteke as Karim El Ahmadi and Ashley Westwood battled behind him.

But once Brett Holman replaced El Ahmadi, Sylla reverted back to his usual defence-minded game to partner Westwood in the central ground.

That allowed Holman to roam in front of the Frenchman.

Sylla looked far from overawed, crunching into tackles and looking to find space for a pass at every opportunity.

When he was on the ball he looked to be creative offensively too.

This was a very raw, initial showing for Sylla, who joined from French Division 2 side Clermont Foot but Lambert will have been happy with his contribution.

And he'll know Sylla will improve in the weeks and months ahead as Villa look to ease away from the danger zone.

Check out an image gallery of Sylla in action.