Emi Buendia has found life tough at Aston Villa this season.
The 27-year-old has only played 231 minutes of football, including around 15 minutes during Villa’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Buendia was out for the entire season in 2023/24 and only returned to action this summer, but has been on the bench, most of the time.
Under Steven Gerrard, the quick-thinking playmaker was hardly used, before he played regularly when Unai Emery joined, including helping guide Aston Villa to the Europa Conference League.
But that long-term injury has cost him his place in the XI because there are now several players ahead of him in the pecking order.
During that period, Youri Tielemans has joined Villa and become a key player, whilst Morgan Rogers has gone from strength to strength after moving from Middlesbrough last January.
It has pushed Buendia further down the list, but he is still showing his class.
Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa FC celebrates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between RB Leipzig and Aston Villa FC...
Photo by Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images
Villa were drawing 2-2 when Buendia was introduced into the action and he helped push his side over the line when Ross Barkley netted the winner five minutes from time.
MORE VILLA STORIES
In his situation, you can easily sulk, especially when you aren’t even coming off the bench, which has happened on several occasions.
But Villa fans will love Buendia’s reaction on Instagram and how he is ‘happy to enjoy every minute out there’.
“What a European night! ✨💜,” wrote Buendia. “Big win and great team performance 💪🏽
Happy to enjoy every minute out there. Up The Villa.”
How has Emery used Buendia this season?
Even though Villa have had to deal with a lot of games this season, Emery has opted against using Buendia as much as the player would like.
Rogers has been an ever-present, alongside Tielemans, and you presume those two are playing a part in their teammate’s lack of time on the pitch.
From six Champions League matches, the Argentina international has been available for all of the matches, but played only 26 minutes and been an unused sub on three occasions.
Then, in the Premier League, he has, once again, been available for all the games, but only played 34 minutes and then hasn’t come off the bench on eight occasions.
Where Buendia has earned his minutes has been in the EFL Cup – which Villa have now been knocked out of – starting both the games against Wycombe and Crystal Palace.
Related Posts