According to Aston Villaโs chief, Duran is one of the most sought-after young players in football, with no fewer than 40 clubs showing interest in him
And Villaโs manager, Unai Emery, believes that Duran has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world.
Duran who joined Aston Villa from Chicago fire in a transfer worth almost ยฃ16m has impressed so far this season, notching 3 goals in 4 Premier League games. He alongside Ollie Watkins have been praised by the Aston Villa hierarchy and fans.
Though Duran is touted as the possible replacement for Watkins, both can complement each other. Fans of Aston Villa can purchase Aston Villa tickets from an online resale store to continue to cheer their team in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.
Duranโs burden of replacing Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has been one of the top strikers in the Premier League for the past few years. Last season, he scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions, making him one of the most important players for Aston Villa. The club’s chief was quick to praise Watkins, saying, “If you have Ollie Watkins, it is very difficult to find someone better because he is a great striker, maybe in the top two or three in the Premier League.”
Watkins is not just about scoring goals. He is a complete striker, someone who works hard, helps his teammates and can cause problems for defenders. This will make it quite difficult for any other striker on the Villa roster to get game time, as Watkins has proven himself to be reliable and consistent.
Unlike Watkins, Duran hasnโt had much time on the pitch. Last season, he only scored eight goals, but that was in far fewer games than Watkins, who played almost every match. However, Duran is quickly proving that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Villaโs chief revealed that there were โno fewer than 40 clubs who wanted Duran.โ This level of interest isnโt just a coincidence. Clubs across Europe and beyond recognize Duranโs potential. Villa, however, managed to hold onto him, and Unai Emery has made it clear that he believes in Duranโs future. According to Emery, Duran could become one of the best strikers in the world.
Emery has made a bold statement as regards the 20-year-old, and maybe you can understand where he is coming from. He is fast, strong, and has an eye for goal. Even though he hasnโt played many minutes in the Premier League, he has already made an impact.
In less than an hour of action this season, Duran has scored three goals, an impressive start. Watkins, on the other hand, hadn’t scored before his two goals at home against Everton on Saturday.
Duranโs natural ability is obvious, but what is even more exciting is his potential. At 20 years old, he is still learning and growing as a player. Emery has been giving Duran more minutes on the pitch, and the striker is making the most of these opportunities. The club has also been working closely with Duran, ensuring that heโs happy and motivated. “Heโs training well, and heโs happy,” Villaโs chief explained.
How does Duran compare with Watkins? & Are there other options in the market?
According to multiple reports, Duran believes he is a better player than Watkins, and that is why he feels he should be playing ahead of him.
Last seasonโs stats would suggest otherwise. Watkinsโ 27 goals and 13 assists put him in the top tier of Premier League strikers. In comparison, Duranโs eight goals seem modest. However, it is important to remember that Duran played far fewer games.
In the current campaign, Duran has the same number of goals as Watkins, despite playing significantly fewer minutes. It is still early in the season, and anything can happen. Watkins has been directly involved in 97 goals for Villa over 172 games. Duran on the other hand, has barely had enough minutes.
One thing is clear though, Unai Emery believes in Jhon Duran. Emery has a reputation for being an elite manager, and he knows talent when he sees it. He has been giving Duran more playing time, and the results speak for themselves. Emery sees Duran as someone who could become one of the best in the world, and that is no beer parlor statement.
“If there is one club that thinks Duran can become one of the best in the world, then that club is Aston Villa and that manager is Unai Emery,” said Villaโs chief. Itโs clear that the club has big plans for Duran, and theyโre committed to helping him reach his full potential.
While Aston Villa seems set with Watkins and Duran, they are still exploring options for new signings. During the summer, there were reports that Villa was considering letting Duran leave to make room for other players. One of those players was Joao Felix, who was said to be a target for Emery.
However, Felix ended up going to Chelsea, and Villa will have to turn their attention to other options. One name that has come up is Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Mbeumo is a versatile forward who can play as both a winger and a striker. He has a ยฃ50 million price tag. It remains to be seen whether Villa will move forward with a bid for Mbeumo or stick with their current squad or even find other options.
Conclusion
Aston Villa finds themselves in a unique position with two quality strikers on their roster. Ollie Watkins has already proven himself as one of the best in the Premier League, while Jhon Duran is quickly emerging as a rising star with massive potential.
The competition between the two could push both players to new heights, making Aston Villa a team to watch this season both in Europe and domestically.