Emi Buendia dogged defensive work for Aston Villa rewarded with Argentina call-up
Emi Buendia has long been touted as a creative attacking footballer, but for Aston Villa this season, his defensive work has come to the fore.
Since the arrival of Unai Emery, the diminutive Argentine has been given the consistent run of games that he has lacked since making his club-record move from Norwich City in 2021.
Playing on the right side of a midfield four and occasionally in a front two alongside Ollie Watkins, Buendia has finally started to find his feet in a claret and blue top.
His fine form since the New Year – three goals in eight games – was rewarded with a call-up to Argentina’s squad for the upcoming international break, over a year since last taking to the field for his country, in what was his only cap under Lionel Scaloni to date.
Already this season, Buendia has matched his goal tally (four) for last season in over 500 minutes less, but it is, in fact, his defensive attributes over the last year that have caught the eye. [Transfermarkt]
According to Opta stats on the FBRef website, over the last 365 days, the 26-year-old is in the 95th percentile of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles per 90 minutes – averaging 2.30.
On top of this, Buendia sits in the 75th percentile for interceptions (0.73 per 90), and the 79th percentile for successful clearances. The most astonishing statistic is that Buendia – who is only 5ft7in tall – is in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won.
Stats such as these highlight what a different role Buendia has been tasked with under Emery than previous managers. During his time at Carrow Road, the Argentine was the creative spark playing directly behind Teemu Pukki, whereas he now has far more defensive duties on his plate.
His deeper positioning could also be highlighted by the fact he sits in the 89th percentile for progressive passes over the last year (6.01 per 90). Having been tucked in a little more narrow than previously tasked with in his career, Buendia is clearly looking to open up defences from a deeper starting point.
Throughout Emery’s managerial career, he has always enjoyed playing a narrow, compact 4-4-2 formation. Since arriving at Aston Villa, this is no different and although it does ask a completely different question of Buendia, it seems to be one he is more than willing to have a crack at.
In other Aston Villa news, here are three Villa academy players who could break out into the first-team in the 2023/24 season.