Jhon Duran deserves Aston Villa start v Crystal Palace after what he did v Liverpool
Unai Emery could start Jhon Duran for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace after his point-saving performance against Liverpool.
Thanks to Manchester City’s win over Tottenham (14 May), the Villans have secured Champions League qualification ahead of the final day of the season.
Villa now travel to face Palace at Selhurst Park knowing that the result of the game won’t affect their Premier League table standing.
With that being said, Emery can afford to make some changes to his starting XI and Duran is one who could come in.
Jhon Duran to get Aston Villa start v Crystal Palace
At 3-1 down against Liverpool, Villa looked tired, down and out as the Reds fans tried and failed to take over Villa Park.
Everything changed with 11 minutes remaining as Duran entered the pitch and had a telling impact to secure an all-important point.
The Colombian came on and had three shots [FotMob]. One was blocked while the other two found the back of the net.
He took just seven touches and scored two which is so impressive. His first goal was superb to take a touch and dispatch past Alisson with aplomb.
Duran added a bit of bite to the front line as he pressed from the front superbly. He won 100 per cent of his tackles, made two clearances and one recovery.
Throw in the fact he won 50 per cent of his duels up against Virgil Van Dijk and Jarell Quansah in the Liverpool backline.
This performance was ultimately the difference between Villa getting a point to secure Champions League qualification and not.
Duran is more than deserving of a start against Crystal Palace.
In other Aston Villa news, Finley Munroe to replace Lucas Digne for Premier League debut v Crystal Palace.
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