Duran’s potential is ‘massive’ says Emery

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says Jhon Duran has ‘massive’ potential after the 20-year-old once more came off the bench to score in the 3-2 Champions League win in Leipzig.

The Colombian has now scored six times from the bench this season – more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

He also has the most goals from outside the penalty area after his latest speculative strike helped Villa move up to third in the Champions League table.

Jhon Durán that is OUTRAGEOUS 🤯

Villa are back in front at the Red Bull Arena 👏#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/qTyp3iWhML

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 10, 2024

Emery said: “The idea when we prepare the game plan is also for the subs to help if we needed it. Ollie Watkins had a small injury and Duran scores. Emiliano Buendia comes on and helps Ross Barkley score the third goal. This is what any coach would want.

“Sometimes he [Duran] is very impassioned and we have to try and keep balanced with him.

“He scored a great goal and he works and we are trying to get the team strong with a tactical approach. His potential is massive. Tactically he is improving and today he played a fantastic 45 minutes.”

Villa are well placed to qualify for the knockout stages directly, and Barkley’s 85th-minute winner puts them five points behind leaders Liverpool with two games remaining.

Emery told Amazon Prime: “The Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect that every team playing at home are feeling strong. We played with consistency and domination.

“Today we were thinking if we won we could be a contender in the last two matches to be in the top eight. We achieved this option and we are going to try and get top eight. We are happy because we are in the top 24.”