Jhon Duran has given his first interview after his transfer to Aston Villa from Chicago Fire was officially announced on Monday.
After the club released a statement to confirm the move, they soon shared a brilliantly organised welcome for the 19-year-old, with Duran sat in the Holte End as part of his unveiling before former Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel appeared on the big screen to greet him.
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Not only was seeing Angel and hearing his words for Duran a lovely touch in itself, but the reaction from the youngster seeing one of his idols give him support and advice was a wonderful way to introduce him to the club.
After scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 27 MLS appearances for Chicago, Duran now faces an entirely different challenge having completed his move to England and the Premier League, and the expectation is that Unai Emery will gradually integrate him and be patient with his development moving forward.
That is the sensible approach given Duran’s lack of experience at the top level, and while he has great potential and talent along with excellent physical attributes that should help him suit the league, he will need time and patience to adjust and adapt to his new surroundings, teammates and competition.
However, he certainly sounds up for the challenge and showcased great maturity and desire in his first interview with the club, and it’s hoped that we get a chance to see him in action and assess what he can offer in the coming weeks.
“I’m happy,” he told Villa TV. “For the things you are doing for me and my family. Seeing a message from someone [Angel] who brought so much happiness to our country and is an idol here, and for me, a very touching thing.
“I’m happy to be here and to do the same and maybe a little more than him. I will work to follow in his footsteps and continue the Colombian legacy.
“Villa have a great fanbase. The history that Juan Pablo left, I’ve seen videos of the club and it strikes me as a very good project. Very touching words and a huge welcome [from Emery]. Now I can speak with him and we can discuss everything to do with regards to the project.
“I’m a player that plays with a lot of passion, who is dedicated to the team and a player that really wants to win. Always.
“I’m happy and waiting to take on more responsibilities, which is what I like. I have all the desire [to test himself] and come out on top. If it was up to me, I’d play tomorrow. I have all the desire in the world, lots of desire to work hard, give everything to the team and win.”
It was a superb way to introduce Duran to us and him to the club, and it’s hoped that we’ve now made a wise investment in a young player capable of playing a big role for Emery moving forward.
Having opted to approve of an exit for Danny Ings last week, Villa were left light up top. However, the addition of Duran gives Emery another option alongside Ollie Watkins in the final third to lead the line, and the pair will hopefully work well together when deployed alongside each other and offer Emery different profiles and dynamics to make us a more potent side.
