Jhon Duran has ‘justified’ Aston Villa summer transfer decisions after stunning start to season
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Jhon Duran’s excellent start to the season has “justified” Aston Villa’s decision not to sign a new striker and sell Cameron Archer, according to Dan Bardell.
Heading into the new season, many feared that Villa may be left wanting up top. With Cameron Archer’s £18million departure to Sheffield United, only Ollie Watkins and Duran remained as out-and-out natural strikers in the squad, with many questioning if the 19-year-old could cut it in place of Watkins.
However, his difference-making effort against Crystal Palace and his late goal against Everton has seen him keep pace with Villa’s other attackers. Duran joins four other Villa players as current joint-top scorers in the league with two a piece, while starting striker Watkins is yet to net.
Off the back of his unexpected form, Bardell suggests that Villa’s summer transfer decisions to sell Archer and avoid further signings have been justified, as long as the youngster can maintain his strong form.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “If Duran’s coming off the bench and scoring goals, which he has a couple of times already, it almost justifies Villa’s summer decisions.
“The fact they let Cameron Archer go and didn’t bring in another forward, that decision has been justified.”
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has picked which surprise Villa Park standout must keep his place.