Aston Villa: Jhon Duran in desperate need of ‘patience’ as Unai Emery ‘experiment’ backfires
Aston Villa have one of the most formidable attacks in the Premier League, with Ollie Watkins’ 16 league goals bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
With the likes of Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby and John McGinn joining the attack, few teams can stop Unai Emery’s side from hitting the back of the net.
However, when these stars are not firing on all cylinders, the Spaniard has few options to fall back on at Villa Park, with Jhon Duran one of those in the squad overshadowed over by Watkins’ performances this season.
Injuries have certainly played their part for the Villans this campaign, especially in midfield after Boubacar Kamara was sidelined with a serious knee issue, and this caused Emery to switch things up against West Ham United on Sunday 17 March.
Jhon Duran ‘Experiment’ fails in Aston Villa v West Ham United
With Jacob Ramsey sidelined and McGinn serving a suspension, Duran was a surprise involvement in the Villa starting XI, partnering Watkins in attack.
The Mirror wrote on Saturday (30 March, page 2 of the Football pullout): “Villa’s boss sprang a surprise during their last fixture by starting the young Colombian alongside Ollie Watkins, but the experiment was called to a halt after 45 minutes.”
Quoted by the national newspaper, Emery said: “Maybe if Jhon was playing in another country, another league, maybe he could exploit his potential more quickly.
“We need time, and patience, we need to help him, support him and make a plan in his process.”
Despite the disappointment of being hooked at half-time, Duran has certainly shown signs of promise at Villa Park, suggesting that Emery is right when it comes to keeping patience.
The youngster, while involved far less than his striking partner, maintained a 75 pass accuracy against the Hammers, as per FotMob, far exceeding his 68 per cent average this season. [FotMob]
While making 13 touches, Duran could only win 25 per cent of his ground duels, complete 0 per cent of his attempted dribbles, was dispossessed twice, and was caught offside on one occasion.
Ollie Watkins replacement showing signs of promise at Villa Park
Duran’s best performance, arguably, came in the previous match as Villa defeated Ajax 4-0 in the Europa Conference League. Having replaced Watkins due to injury, Emery will have been desperate for the 20-year-old to perform.
As well as registering his fifth Villa goal since joining in January 2023, the Colombian was incredibly important to the victory, threatening the Dutch giants with a 75 per cent shot accuracy. [FotMob]
He also made a nuisance of himself in the final third, entering six ground duels and winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
Duran is certainly nowhere near the finished product, there is no doubt about that. But, having shown signs of improvement in his second season in the Midlands, fans will need to be patient with the youngster.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared the likelihood of Villa making a £64million double signing.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.