Not only did Jhon Duran help Aston Villa take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League knockouts, the striker also sent a clear message to manager Unai Emery to reward him with a starting place.
Duran’s curling 25-yard strike in Villa’s 3-2 defeat of RB Leipzig on Tuesday was his 10th goal of the season, yet he has only made four starts in all competitions.
The Colombia international, 20, presented himself as a super-sub figure earlier this season, scoring from the bench in four of Villa’s five opening Premier League games.
The six goals he has scored as a substitute are more than any other player across Europe’s big five leagues in all competitions this season.
After failing to score in November, Duran has scored in back-to-back games and calls from fans for him to start more often are getting louder.
That is in part to the form of Ollie Watkins; the England striker played well in Leipzig, but he has scored just once from open play in his last 11 games.
This season Watkins has scored seven goals in all competitions, three fewer than Duran despite playing almost double the minutes.
Emery confirmed that Duran replaced Watkins at half-time on Tuesday due to the Englishman picking up a “small injury”, so Duran could get the nod against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has praised Jhon Durán’s impressive performances, but has also highlighted one major area where the Colombian forward needs to improve.
Durán has been in scintillating form, showcasing his pace, skill, and finishing ability with a string of impressive displays. However, Emery believes that the 19-year-old forward is lacking one key attribute that could take his game to the next level.
“Jhon is a very talented player, and he’s shown that with his recent performances,” Emery said. “However, what he needs to work on is his consistency. He needs to be able to perform at a high level every week, not just in patches.”
Emery’s comments suggest that Durán still has room for growth and development, despite his impressive form. The Villa manager is keen to see the young forward become a more consistent threat on the pitch.
Fans have been quick to agree with Emery’s assessment, taking to social media to discuss Durán’s potential and areas for improvement.
“Durán is a game-changer, but consistency is key,” one fan tweeted. “If he can perform like that every week, he’ll be unstoppable!”
Another fan added, “Emery is spot on. Durán needs to work on his consistency, but the potential is there. Exciting times for Villa!”
With Emery’s guidance and support, Durán will be looking to address his consistency issues and become an even more formidable force on the pitch.
