Unai Emery was full of praise for one Aston Villa star after their 1-0 victory over Southampton.
In a poor affair at Villa Park, the hosts managed to do just enough to scrap the three points.
Jhon Duran’s goal proved to be the difference on the day as he found the net midway through the first half.
However, it was far from a pretty affair. Jaden Philogene was criticised for his cameo as Villa eventually got over the line.
Despite this, Emery still found positives in the performance with one star standing out for the Spaniard.
Unai Emery praises ‘clinical’ Jhon Duran for Aston Villa winner vs Southampton
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Southampton FC at Vil...
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Duran has been one of the highlights of Villa’s campaign so far. The Colombian has scored multiple wonder goals to earn the club plenty of vital points.
Recently, Duran was criticised after a dip in form, however, he was given a big opportunity against Southampton when he started the match.
This he took with open arms as he stole the ball from the Southampton defence before he chipped the goalkeeper in what proved to be the winning goal.
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After the match, Emery was pleased with how the striker and his ‘clinical nature’.
He said: “It’s important for the team. Today we had chances. We dominated sometimes both boxes. At the beginning for sure but the second half they didn’t get to our box.
“We had chances to score the second goal which we didn’t do. Amazing goal from Jhon Duran, individual brilliant goal his ability to run in behind and he’s very clinical.”
Read more: Player ratings for Aston Villa vs Southampton as two stars get a 4/10.
Jhon Duran deserves a run in Aston Villa’s starting XI
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Southampton FC at Vil...
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
With Ollie Watkins proving to be inconsistent of late, Duran should be given a run in the starting XI.
The striker is one of the best upcoming players in the world and can always find a goal.
If Villa wants to keep hold of Duran long-term he has to start more regularly and he has done everything right to deserve these starts.
In a few years, the striker could be one of the best players in the league and Emery must ensure he reaches this potential.
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