Jhon Duran: Aston Villa’s Impactful Super Sub
At Aston Villa, a familiar scene unfolds as games progress past the hour mark. Manager Unai Emery, seeking a spark to invigorate his side, often glances towards his bench. This is where Jhon Duran enters the fray.
Duran has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s notable “supersubs.” The Colombian forward has capitalized on limited playing time, scoring four goals in just seven league appearances—each one coming from the bench. His knack for finding the net when it matters most highlights his potential as a game-changer.
Duran’s contributions have not been confined to domestic matches. He made headlines in the European arena with a crucial goal against Bayern Munich at Villa Park, showcasing his signature blend of precision and power by catching the experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off guard.
Despite his impressive performances, Emery has opted to keep the 20-year-old on the bench for the majority of games this season. Duran’s only start came in the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers, where he also found the back of the net, further demonstrating his scoring ability.
As Aston Villa prepares for a clash with Fulham, the likelihood is that Duran will again start as a substitute. However, fans are eagerly anticipating the day Emery decides to give him a chance in the starting lineup.
The Dilemma for Emery
One of the challenges Emery faces is the presence of Ollie Watkins, a reliable and consistent striker who has bounced back from a slow start. Watkins has scored four goals and provided two assists in his last seven league matches, proving crucial for the team. After an impressive international performance where he assisted Declan Rice against Finland, it’s clear that the 28-year-old is in top form and deserves to remain in the starting lineup.
The solution may lie in a dual-striker formation. Emery has previously acknowledged that Watkins and Duran can effectively play together. While it might seem unwise to alter a successful formula, the recent lack of attacking potency—highlighted by a disappointing performance against Manchester United—suggests a fresh approach could be beneficial.
Potential Changes Ahead
In his pre-match press conference, Emery confirmed that he would have almost every player available, presenting him with numerous tactical options. If he chooses to deploy Duran alongside Watkins, it shouldn’t come at the expense of Morgan Rogers. The young England U21 international has been in fine form, contributing to three goals in his last three appearances, drawing comparisons to the German star Jamal Musiala.
Alternatively, Leon Bailey could be the one to make way in this scenario. Once described as “unplayable,” the Jamaican winger has struggled to find his form this season, with only one assist to his name and no goals. Reports suggest he might still be carrying an injury, which could explain his drop in performance compared to last season, where he contributed significantly.
Considering this, it might be wise for Emery to rest Bailey and experiment with a starting lineup featuring both Duran and Watkins, supported by Rogers and either Jaden Philogene or John McGinn on the wings. This could allow Bailey to take on a new role as a super sub, bringing fresh energy to the pitch late in the game.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s attacking options underline the squad’s depth and the exciting times ahead. As Emery navigates the complexities of team selection, integrating Jhon Duran into the starting XI alongside Ollie Watkins could unleash the full potential of Villa’s attack, providing fans with a thrilling brand of football as they look to make their mark this season.