Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has a delightful headache ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday: who starts up front? The emergence of Jhon Duran as a potent attacking force has thrown a spanner in the works, challenging the established partnership with Ollie Watkins. Duran’s blistering start to the season has seen him bag three goals in the first four Premier League matches – all as a second-half substitute. The Colombian youngster has become a renowned impact player, with seven of his eight Premier League goals since his debut in 2023 coming from the bench.
Emery acknowledges Duran’s progress: “The process is going up. Two years ago, he arrived, and it was not easy for him to compete with Watkins. It was difficult, but he had moments to play and did things like he is doing now,” he said. “His talent is there, and he is getting better, playing more and feeling confident. Respect another teammate and be a good impact player for us.”
Duran is now knocking on the door of the starting XI. “He is close to playing in the starting 11 and has to understand in his process how he can manage to play with Watkins, both on the pitch,” Emery elaborated. While Duran’s rise is undeniable, Watkins is back to full fitness after overcoming an ankle injury, presenting a selection headache for Emery.
Although Emery remains tight-lipped about his starting lineup, he acknowledges Duran’s contribution and his aspirations. “As a striker, he (Duran) is helping us score goals and making a good impact, but the idea is to play in the starting 11,” Emery said. “I don’t know (if he will start) tomorrow or Tuesday or next weekend, but he is close and ready to play and add more minutes to play with us. “(He might) play with Watkins, play together, play alone. We have a very good player, and his commitment now is getting better. I think after a difficult summer, he is 100% focused here. I think everything now is going like we want.”
Villa, currently fifth with nine points from four matches, will be looking to maintain their strong start, while Wolves, languishing in the relegation zone with just one point, will be desperate for a win. With the form of Duran and the return of Watkins, the battle for the starting striker role is set to be a fascinating subplot as Villa seek to continue their upward trajectory.
