On Tuesday evening, Aston Villa faced off against RB Leipzig in a thrilling UEFA Champions League match, and pundit Alan Shearer was particularly impressed by one player’s performance.
Aston Villa traveled to the Red Bull Arena in Germany to take on the Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, in the group stage of the prestigious tournament. The Premier League club managed to secure a narrow 3-2 victory, showcasing their resilience and skill on the European stage.
One of the standout moments of the match came courtesy of Jhon Duran, who netted one of Villa’s goals. The Colombian striker scored in the 52nd minute, providing a brilliant display of his attacking prowess. After receiving a pass from Youri Tielemans just inside the Leipzig half, Duran showcased his speed and composure, charging towards the opposition’s defense. He then executed a stunning, curling shot from nearly 30 yards out, sending the ball into the net with precision and power. It was a goal that not only underlined his ability but also sent a strong message to his manager, Unai Emery.
Shearer, the legendary former Newcastle United player, was working as a co-commentator for the match on Amazon Prime Video, and he was quick to praise Duran’s sensational strike. Speaking after the goal, Shearer remarked: “We mentioned the damage Duran can cause, and we said all he needs is one or two chances. That’s exactly what happened. I said he likes to take a shot on goal, and he had no other thought in his mind. The bend and dip he got on that shot was incredible.”
Shearer continued, admiring Duran’s fearless attitude and his willingness to take on shots from distance. “Great attitude, I love it that he’s prepared to take a pop from that range, but why not? That’s a message to the manager: ‘Don’t leave me out again.’” It was clear that Shearer believed Duran’s goal spoke volumes about his confidence and determination to prove himself, especially after being dropped from the starting lineup for this particular fixture.
The 20-year-old had started against Southampton in the Premier League just days earlier, where he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory for Villa. Despite his excellent performance in that match, Duran was surprisingly left out of the starting XI against Leipzig, with Ollie Watkins taking his place up front. However, Duran was brought on at the start of the second half, and he immediately made an impact, further cementing his place as a valuable asset to Villa.
With two goals in as many matches, Duran has demonstrated that he is more than capable of making a difference for Aston Villa. His form has raised questions about his role in the team, particularly regarding his regular inclusion in the starting lineup. His performances in both domestic and European competitions show that he is ready to contribute consistently at the highest level.
Aston Villa’s next match is on Saturday, as they travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the Premier League. Given Duran’s impressive recent performances, it would be a surprise if he were not included in the starting lineup. After scoring in back-to-back matches against Southampton and RB Leipzig, the young striker has proved that he is much more than just an impact substitute.
Jhon Duran has certainly earned his place in the Villa starting XI. His goal against Leipzig, coupled with his overall contribution to the team, shows that he is ready to play a significant role in Villa’s campaign. Manager Unai Emery will surely have to take note of the striker’s recent form and consider him as a key figure in the team moving forward.