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Alan Shearer full of praise for 'clever' Aston Villa maverick

Alan Shearer looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on April 20, 2024 in London, England

Alan Shearer has received an X-rated response from Manchester City fan and Oasis singer Liam Gallagher

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has sung the praises of Aston Villa's match winner after their 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

Striker Jhon Durán came in to the side in place of England international Ollie Watkins to make his first start in the Premier League this season. The Colombian was a live wire from the start and notched the only goal of the game after 24 minutes when he pick-pocketed Taylor Harwood-Bellis and whipped the ball past Joe Lumley to win all three points for the Villans.

After nearly departing from Villa Park in the summer in favour of fellow claret and blue club West Ham United, Durán continues to remind supporters of his incredibly high ceiling.

The 20-year-old became known as a reliable 'super-sub' early on in the season after bagging four goals in five games in the league and scoring a huge winner against Bayern Munich in the Champion League all after coming on from the bench.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer was full of admiration for Durán.

"It's actually his 50th Premier League appearance but only his fourth start," the Premier League's all-time top scorer reminded viewers.

"He's had an impact. He was a problem all afternoon, he didn't let the defenders settle all afternoon - and you can say what you want about the defending - but the impressive thing for me is that he never gives it up.

"He makes it really difficult for the defenders. Look at his strength, he's really direct, keeper comes out and makes his mind up for him. His ability to run with the ball, his strength. He tucks the ball away really, really well, it's a clever finish."

After nearly leaving the West Midlands, Durán penned a new deal back in October that will keep him at Villa Park until 2030.

The Colombian international signed for Villa back in January 2023, coming up to two years ago, from MLS side Chicago Fire for a deal worth £18 million.

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