Jhon Durán’s performance continues for Aston Villa, as the young Colombian striker found the net against Bologna in a 2-0 victory on matchday three of the Champions League on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has had a great career for Aston Villa with six goals in all competitions, but this was the second of those that included him as a starter for the team. For the most part, Durán has been struggling to find success as a top substitute, but as his game grows, it looks like he can do more for the team.
Against Bologna, Durán allowed Unai Emery to replace Ollie Watkins without having to worry about who would dominate the order, a notable factor when Villa would also have to worry about maintaining their Premier League challenge. Durán took five shots, scoring his goal, but it was also a performance that showed what he can do with limited touches.
It’s easier to make problems happen off the bench against tired legs, but against an organized Bologna defense, Durán was ready to show his touches on shots as he advanced past. He’s come a long way since he was 18 and playing for the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, but even later, it wasn’t clear Durán had a chance to continue.
In his only season with the Fire, Durán scored eight goals and assisted three more for an xG of 8. So far he has surpassed his xG in his game with Villa, but that is because he is a good finisher. Youngsters don’t do what Durán did in MLS on a regular basis and he could eventually end up being one of the best players to ever play an event in the league.
Similar to joining West Ham United over the summer, this has been an event that shows how temporarily things can change for an athlete. From almost transferring to now signing a promising extension and starring in Champions League games, the sky is the limit for the Colombian. Even in national team terms, Durán could crack and become a full-time starter for the Colombian team if he can continue his strong form, although his prowess off the bench remains his most important trait.
Already with one of the Premier League’s leading forwards in Watkins’ squad, Emery may have a fair weakness on his hands when it comes to finding ways to play the duo’s games together. With their talent on the pitch and energy to complete, they may be able to grant Villa many more tactics to break down my sick and stubborn defences. It is a good moment for Durán and with two more goals, he will equal his production from all of last season. It’s only October, so immaculate highs are most likely coming as he continues to meet every challenge in his path and give Emery an ace in the void that any team would covet.
