This season, Aston Villa will compete in the Champions League for the first time in a generation—an accomplishment that was unimaginable prior to Unai Emery’s hiring.
In just a few years, the former Arsenal manager has completely changed the team, providing the supporters with a memorable European experience through their participation in both the Champions League this year and the Europa Conference League last season.
The club’s first team will be more vulnerable to weariness and injuries at certain times of the season due to the additional fixtures.
Conversely, it can provide many bench players a much-needed opportunity to get into the starting lineup, with one player particularly benefiting from this season’s journey through Europe.
Striker Jhon Duran has made a strong start to the new season for Emery’s team despite not starting a single Premier League game this year.
The 20-year-old has already outperformed Ollie Watkins, the team’s top attacker, twice in just 82 minutes, demonstrating his outstanding finishing skills.
The Colombian was strongly linked with a move to join West Ham United this summer, before landing the hammer blow as the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Villa’s decision to keep hold of Duran this summer looks to be a great call, with the talent having the ability to provide excellent cover to Watkins, whilst also pushing the England international for a starting role.
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