Aston Villa’s striker, Jhon Duran, is currently in a waiting game for a starting position but is doing everything he can to earn more playing time, as noted by Ian Darke.
Due to Unai Emery’s tactical setup at Villa Park and the pivotal role of Ollie Watkins, Duran has not yet had the chance to start a Premier League match this season. Nonetheless, he has made a significant impact by scoring four league goals from the bench and contributing with a goal during a full 90 minutes against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Darke, a well-known commentator, expressed high regard for the 20-year-old Colombian, who is presenting Emery with some tough decisions ahead of the upcoming match against Ipswich Town. He remarked, “To play them both would certainly affect the shape of the team. It does seem to either be him or Watkins – and at the moment, it would still be Watkins.” Darke added, “They say, though, with footballers that you have to take your chance when you get it, and Duran is certainly doing that. He’s making a very big impact.”
Since joining Aston Villa, Duran has showcased glimpses of his talent during brief appearances last season. After a summer filled with uncertainty regarding his future, Duran has stepped up his game and is now competing directly with an England international, who netted 27 goals last season. His fearless playing style and remarkable confidence are proving to be significant assets, and he has outscored Watkins by two goals early in the season, despite playing far less.
In addition to his league performance, Duran has been active in other competitions, evidenced by an impressive assist for Colombia in a match against Peru and a stunning goal that was disallowed by VAR during the Champions League opener against Young Boys.
While Emery is understandably hesitant to alter a successful formation, it puts the onus on Duran to seize any opportunity he receives. In other Villa news, Ian Maatsen received criticism for his performance in the game against Wycombe. For continuous updates on Aston Villa, fans can follow their Facebook page or join the new WhatsApp Channel for instant notifications.
