Ian Wright prediction about Emi Buendia proven as gospel after Aston Villa win v Leicester City
Emi Buendia was back to his buzzing best as Aston Villa edged out Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday (4 April) evening.
Unai Emery’s side rose to 7th place in the Premier League table and just two points off Brighton in 6th with their fifth win from their last six outings.
The diminutive Argentine was absolutely everywhere in the playmaker role, setting up Ollie Watkins’ opening goal with a perfectly timed through ball and picking up dangerous pockets of space all game long.
The assist was Buendia’s fifth goal contribution since Emery’s arrival, after registering just a single goal from his time under previous manager Steven Gerrard this season.
The 26-year-old’s form under Emery has proven BBC pundit Ian Wright completely right after he predicted the attacking midfielder would “explode” at Villa Park under the Spaniard.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast on 26 October, he said: “Buendia is something waiting to explode. He needs somebody to grab him by the shoulders and say: ‘Come here look at me, you’ve got more and I want more.’
“He’s got something about him where he can get games by the scruff of the neck and make your team win. He’s (Emery) got players there and hopefully, Unai will use those offensive players.”
Buendia’s ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck was on full display in his magnificent performance on Tuesday night.
According to WhoScored, the former Norwich City player made four key passes, completed two dribbles and delivered the key assist to give Villa the lead in the game.
Although he was influential on the ball, making 40 passes during his 90-minute showing, his work off the ball was just as important.
Buendia chipped in with two tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance, and as the Foxes began to pile on the pressure in the second half, did his fair share of dogged defensive work.
Since Emery’s arrival in the West Midland in October, the Argentina international has completed two or more tackles in nine out of his 16 appearances – clearly highlighting his improved defensive game in recent months.
It is pleasing to see Buendia finally starting to live up to his club-record £33million fee, and hopefully, he can continue to explode in Villa’s late surge for European football.
In other Aston Villa news, Dan Bardell believes a loanee could consider a Villa Park exit this summer if he isn’t given first-team assurances next season.