Jhon Duran of Aston Villa
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Unai Emery has praised Jhon Duran's change in behaviour at Aston Villa and claims the striker is now improving all aspects of his game.
Duran bagged his 10th goal of the season on Tuesday night, scoring a beauty as he beat Peter Gulacsi from distance after coming off the bench for the start of the second half against RB Leipzig. It was his third strike in the Champions League after six appearances, while he netted his fourth winning goal of the Premier League season last weekend in the win over Southampton.
"He's getting better in everything," Emery said. "I’m very happy with him. I’m always trying to get the best out of him and to focus as well as possible. On the field, we can see him improve. He’s competing with Watkins - sometimes they are together - my idea is to build the team around the players we have.
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"Duran, we needed him in the second half in Leipzig, he played fantastically well. We have two fantastic players in Duran and Watkins when both are available. They are intelligent, smart. We want to be tactically strong too - but when we are attacking, I want more of them.
"Duran is young, he came here 23 months ago, the process is ongoing. Sometimes it’s been quicker, other times, more slowly. Last summer, he was injured and didn’t play in pre-season. I’m trying to work with him as a player and a human. I want to speak a lot with him and to understand him. Every game, he get the chance to show his capacity and potential."
Emery added: "My expectation of him is so high. He now needs time to build and gain in his capacities at the high level he wants. In terms of his potential, I don't know exactly where he can finish. But we are working with him to exploit his capacity in the process.
"Being more mature, more responsible and disciplined in the organisation we are trying to set every match on the field. In his process, he is getting better completely. The potential, I don't know where he is going to finish or to achieve it and when, but he needs time.
"He's just had his birthday and turned 21. He is young. Of course, he is impatient and wants everything so quick. We are speaking a lot with him - us, the players are trying to support and help him. His commitment and behaviour every day with us is much better."
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