Buendia could face same issue at Bayer Leverkusen as at Aston Villa
Emi Buendia could suffer similar issues at Bayer Leverkusen to what he has done recently with Aston Villa, according to Ian Darke.
The TV broadcaster, speaking exclusively to Villa News, has delivered his verdict on Buendia’s winter loan move from Villa Park to the Bundesliga champions.
The Argentine attacking midfielder has found regular minutes restricted having struggled through his long-term injury woes last year.
With the Villans busy with both incomings and departures in the mid-season window, Buendia has linked up with Xabi Alonso until the end of the season.
Emi Buendia competing with Florian Wirtz
Buendia has already made three appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, with two outings from the bench in the Bundesliga alongside a starting berth – in which he played an hour – in the DFB Pokal.
Darke, however, is doubtful he will gain regular starts due to the presence of German international sensation Wirtz, seven years his junior.
The commentator believes assurances would have been made between Alonso’s side and those at Villa Park that Buendia’s game time would suffice.
“Buendia is one of those gifted playmaker types, but he wasn’t getting into the Villa team and he needed a move,” he admitted.
“He’s got one to a high-competing club in Germany and they’re defending champions playing in the Champions League.
“He’s up against Florian Wirtz so you have to assume Xabi Alonso sees a role for him which isn’t just a backup, or he may as well not have left Villa.”
Aston Villa have bolstered creative weaponry
With Buendia lent to Germany and Jhon Duran leaving in a high-profile Saudi deal, Aston Villa wasted very little time in rejuvenating their squad.
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have both already debuted for the Villans and to great success, with the FA Cup fourth round victory over Tottenham last Sunday (9 February).
Unai Emery will be looking to get the best out of what he has, while also keeping tabs on Buendia’s progress with a fellow Champions League competitor playing for a Leverkusen side with their tails up.