Cameron Archer to be Jhon Duran Aston Villa replacement after Unai Emery ‘important’ admission
Aston Villa still appear likely to use Jhon Duran this summer but they may already have a more-than-able support act for Ollie Watkins in the form of Cameron Archer.
While Villa may have fallen to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Columbus Crew last weekend, there were certainly positives to take away from the game. First and foremost, the aforementioned Archer had a solid outing that was highlighted by a goal just before half-time.
Manager Unai Emery namecheked Archer as one of the players he thought came out with good credit from the run out when speaking to the club’s official website (28 July).
“Most important is to build a team, get information about the players and this was the first match for some players, and they played well. Even losing, they played well.
“Onana and Maatsen, Dobbin, the goal scored by Archer was important as well.”
Archer, of course, is back at Villa Park after an automatic buy-black clause was exercised following Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League.
Archer scored four goals for the Blades in the top flight last season (Sofascore) with one assist, not great numbers admittedly but one must remember the context of a hugely disappointing campaign for the South Yorkshire outfit.
Archer is ready to replace Duran at Aston Villa
Of course, the big question will be whether or not he’s willing to take on the challenge after some have suggested he should look elsewhere for first-team opportunities (Alan Hutton, 27 July).
The big news circulating around Villa Park right now, at least when it comes to forwards, is the future of Duran.
West Ham have been more predominantly linked with the 20-year-old, who is unlikely to want to remain second fiddle to Watkins but with mega-rich Saudi outfit Al Hilal also now in the hunt for his signature (Fabrizio Romano, 29 July), an exit looks inevitable.
Duran’s five goals in the Premier League across 23 games in 2023/24 isn’t the worst return, but it does highlight the kind of role that Archer can play. Watkins has been the frontman for Villa for the last couple of years and with 81 per cent passing accuracy in a poor Sheffield United team, the 22-year-old could bring the kind of service that Watkins needs in a strike partner and he could be just the sort of option Emery turns to when Watkins needs a rest – especially with a Champions League campaign to consider.
He isn’t just a poacher, either, with 14 shots outside the box compared to 28 inside the box last season (FotMob). His cross accuracy sat at 40 per cent which puts him in the top 10 per cent alongside other players in his position, and his 13 tackles won put him in the top 20 percentile.
There is little chance Watkins gets displace from the team this term but Archer could save the club some decent dough by stepping up to replace Duran as his deputy.
In other Aston Villa news, a verdict has emerged on a player Villa want to sign with the club now ready to table a £10million bid.
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