Aston Villa delivered big on the day that Champions League football returned to Villa Park thanks to a long range strike from the man of the moment, Jhon Duran. His goal was the difference in a 1-0 win which saw the Villans get three points against European giants Bayern Munich.
Duran has scored six times in nine appearances in all competitions so far this season. What makes it even more impressive is that he has only started one of these matches, with all but one of his goals coming from the bench.
The Colombian striker’s performances are also drawing interest from clubs in England and abroad. We discussed his form and future with former Aston Villa forward Dean Saunders, who explains why he believes Duran, Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey should stay at Aston Villa and not move to a different club.
Jhon Duran is breathing down Ollie Watkins’ neck
Duran has only started once but he already has more goals than fellow striker Ollie Watkins in all competitions this season. The Colombian’s form is hard to ignore and fans are clamouring for Unai Emery to start him more often.
Saunders feels the same way and he sees Duran lining up alongside Watkins in a front two. The Welshman is of the opinion that no team would want to play against two strikers of Duran and Watkins’ quality.
“You’ve got Ollie Watkins down the middle. Duran is the next player and I’ve been really impressed with him. His movement is good. He’s quick. He can score. His side-foot finish with his left foot, that showed his class. He’s itching to get on the pitch and it’s good for Ollie Watkins to have someone breathing down his neck.”
“I’m sure they’ll end up playing together because you wouldn’t like to play against those two strikers, if they were playing together and got the right service. They’ve got Bailey on one side, who on his day can tear any fullback to shreds.”
Duran, Rogers, Ramsey – they should stay at Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s solid start to the season has hinged on performances from the likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey and Duran. Inevitably, they are now being linked to bigger clubs. Saunders is of the opinion that Aston Villa is the best place for the trio as the club is moving in the right direction under Unai Emery’s stewardship.
“It’s gonna come up with Morgan Rogers, it’s gonna come up with Ramsey. Connor Gallagher obviously moved away from Chelsea. I think Rogers should stay at Aston Villa. It’s the right club for him. Duran too. He’s second to Ollie Watkins right now. He’s another one that should stay at Villa. I think the club is going in the right direction.”
Saunders points to the atmosphere at Villa Park that has taken on a new dimension ever since the club is performing well.
“The place is buzzing. Everything about Aston Villa now. The fans are really enjoying what they’re watching. They’ve got a good team to go out and watch who can compete against anybody. The manager knows what he’s doing. He’s got a formula which he’s used all over Europe and he’s using it at Villa. And everybody knows their job.”
In addition to that, Saunders criticised the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) as selling the club’s best academy products doesn’t sit right with him.
“Villa are still building. The manager is still looking to add some quality. I don’t think the Financial Fair Play and PSR rules are working the way they should be. When you have to sell your best young players, it can’t be right.”
