After all the talk and antics over the summer, Jhon Duran made his mark for all the right reasons in Aston Villa’s win over West Ham Utd on Saturday.
The 20-year-old came off the bench and struck home our winner in the 79th minute to make it a memorable start to the new Premier League campaign, and it went a long way in putting the negativity from the summer behind him.
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With the No.9 on his back, the young Colombian striker showed a great attitude and work ethic after coming on at the London Stadium, and that approach and endeavour was rewarded as he produced a fine finish to seal all three points.
Speculation over his future this past summer stemmed mostly from his own antics, be it an interview in Colombia in which he welcomed interest and the chance of something concrete developing in terms of a move elsewhere or his gesture on social media as he was heavily linked with a move to our opponents this past weekend.
Crucially though, Unai Emery never wavered in his belief and desire to help Duran fulfil his potential and make him an important part of his plans at Villa, as he evidently believes in his talent, and wants him to adapt, integrate and make a vital contribution as part of the squad.
The Villa boss reiterated that after the game as questions seemingly remain over Duran’s future with us, but it was great to see him produce another big moment and his celebration appeared to suggest that he was remorseful and is now eager to make Villa his home moving forward.
That though is the key test he faces. With the transfer window still open, who knows what might happen in the coming weeks as if a significant offer were to arrive for his services, perhaps Villa would still be open to accepting if it gave us more financial strength to bring in a marquee signing better suited to Emery’s ideas and principles.
However, based on the assumption that he now stays given Villa’s inability to agree on terms of an exit and the decision to give him the No.9 shirt, Duran must now follow his impact this past weekend up with a positive and constructive contribution both in training and games week to week to show he’s learned from his mistakes and appreciates the incredible opportunity that he has right in front of him.
He not only has the chance to play in the Champions League this season, but in Emery, he has a coach who is willing to back him despite the off-the-pitch distractions, and who has a track record of improving and developing players into top level individuals.
We’ve seen him do it with almost every Villa player in the squad that he inherited, and that ability is a fundamental factor as to why we’re also able to attract a higher level of transfer target and convince them to join our project over rival proposals.
With a push to repeat our top-four Premier League finish ahead, the hope of a deep run in the Champions League and a competitive effort in the domestic cups to win silverware, Duran will get opportunities to play regardless of whether or not Watkins is the clear first-choice up top.
Villa need a squad with different tactical options, and Duran needs an environment in which his potential can be maximised in the right way. In many ways, it should be a perfect match, and it’s hoped that his winner this past weekend can be the catalyst that sees him establish himself as a key member of the Villa squad.
Keep him and sign Abraham for peanuts at todays rates
Kudos to the Jhon. Mr. Chaos has delivered the goods with an apology. Maybe Uni can iron this situation out.
My question at this time is, how is Ollie going to respond to Jhon looking over his shoulder? I remember Ollie really took off when Ings was off loaded. That was a great psychological move by Uni. Can Uni keep this band rockin with 2 front men? It worked with Sam and Dave when they almost ripped the balcony off at Blackpool on the Stax tour. “I’m a Villa Man, Na Na, Na Na, Na Na Na Na”! UTV