Jhon Duran could be Aston Villa super sub in Conference League semi-final v Olympiacos
Jhon Duran could prove himself to be an Aston Villa hero in the Conference League semi-final even if it is likely his impact will be off the bench in both legs.
The Villans are preparing to welcome Olympiacos to Villa Park on Thursday (2 May) in their first European semi-final in over 40 years.
After a narrow penalty shootout win against Lille in the quarters, Unai Emery will be relying on his entire squad to get the job done this time out.
Every player from the starting XI to the substitutes will play a part with the bench options needing to make an impact.
Jhon Duran to make impact for Aston Villa v Olympiacos
Duran has been a serial substitute this season, very rarely being trusted to lead the line from the start of Premier League matches.
He has so far made just two starts but has gone on to make a further 18 appearances as a substitute, according to FotMob.
He adds something different to the Villa team which nobody else has across the entire squad.
The Colombian is tall, lightning quick and has the strength to hold off almost any defender that he comes into contact with.
He also knows where the net is, this season he has racked up six goals with three of those coming in the Conference League.
The 20-year-old has scored top-class goals with his strikes against Crystal Palace and Ajax standing out.
Duran has a star quality but isn’t afraid to get stuck in. This season he has won 30 duels, 16 aerial duels and has won 80 per cent of his tackles.
He came on against Lille and made a positive impact with a 73 per cent pass accuracy, a 100 per cent shot ratio and a tackle won [FotMob].
Knockout football is a lottery and having a player who can cause some chaos like Duran could prove invaluable against Olympiacos.
In other Aston Villa news, a transfer strategy change may be afoot as Crysencio Summerville news emerges.
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