Jhon Duran has enjoyed a strong sea (Image: Getty)
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has praised Jhon Duran's rapid rise in football but insists that any birthday celebrations for the player must be postponed until after their match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Duran, who turned 21 on Friday, scored another impressive goal in the midweek Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, bringing his total to 10 goals in all competitions - surpassing last season's tally.
With Ollie Watkins potentially sidelined due to a thigh injury, the Colombian star could start against Forest. Emery said: "The only celebration with him is after the match - if we win! My expectation of him is so high.
"He now needs time to build and develop at the high level we want. He’s getting better in all areas. I’m very happy with him.
"He’s competing with Watkins - sometimes they are together - my idea is to build the team around the players we have. We needed Duran in the second half in Leipzig and he played fantastically well."
Duran, who was signed from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for £18 million, pledged his future to Villa until 2030 last autumn.
Damian Vidagany, the director of football operations, has even referred to him as Villa's "Colombian diamond". This represents a significant change in fortunes for a player who seemed destined to leave in the summer, with up to 40 clubs including [Chelsea](https://www.express.co.uk/latest/chelsea-fc) showing interest.
Villa also turned down several offers from West Ham and at one point, Duran appeared to publicly advocate for a transfer. However, Villa stood firm on their £40m valuation – a figure that will undoubtedly have increased by now.
The manager further elaborated: "He joined us 23 months ago and the process is still ongoing.
"At times, progress has been swift, at others, more gradual. I’m endeavouring to work with him both as a player and an individual. I aim to have frequent conversations with him to understand him better.
"In terms of his potential, I can't pinpoint exactly where he might end up. But we are working with him – encouraging maturity, responsibility and discipline in our on-field organisation.
"In his development, he is improving – significantly. He needs time. He's just celebrated his 21st birthday. He is young.
"Naturally, he is passionate and eager for immediate results. We are having regular discussions with him and his teammates are also trying to offer support and assistance. His commitment and daily behaviour with us has greatly improved."