Aston Villa Duran Emery
Unai Emery has a Jhon Duran decision to make at Aston Villa (credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Dan Bardell
Fri 13 December 2024 16:07, UK
Unai Emery will continue to utilise Jhon Duran as a substitute rather than regularly starting him ahead of Ollie Watkins, according to an Aston Villa expert.
The Colombia international scored again off the bench on Tuesday (10 December) against RB Leipzig in spectacular fashion.
This just added fuel to the fire among fans who have urged the 21-year-old to start ahead of his English counterpart for the upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes Emery will stick by Watkins from the start with the youngster utilised as an impact sub.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “Through the season it’s become a bigger discussion point whether Duran should start over Watkins.
“For me, I just think if it’s working and it’s fair to say Duran off the bench has worked more often than not, it will be difficult to change it.
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“It’s not ideal for both players because Watkins wants to play full games and Duran wants to do the same.
“Duran is still young, he said that he’s happy so I don’t think it’s a mega problem. If he carries on doing what he’s doing, he will force Emery to pick him.
“*I think a lot of the time when he’s started games he hasn’t had the same impact as off the bench so it’s really difficult for Emery to know to change that.*“
Unai Emery to bench Jhon Duran again for Aston Villa
There is no doubt that the ex-Chicago Fire starlet is one of the most talked about young players in world football right now and yet still can’t start for Villa.
Emery has opted to trust in his 28-year-old striker option and that arguably hasn’t paid off despite the fact that he’s scored seven Premier League goals.
The Englishman’s performances have arguably been outshone by Duran whose pace, physicality and unpredictability have turned him into a firm fan favourite.
Jhon Duran
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran (credit: Imago)
At some point, there is going to be a decision required to start the Colombian but for now it seems Watkins is going to be the choice.
In other Aston Villa news, one star is going to fear their future after the latest £16m transfer development.
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