'A manager's dream': Ian Taylor says two Aston Villa players are an absolute joy for Unai Emery to work with
Today at 02:15 AM
Aston Villa are flying high this season, having done well in all three competitions they’re currently involved in.
The Villans are currently fifth in the Premier League table, just two points off top spot, and are through to the fourth round of the League Cup.
Then there’s the Champions League, a competition in which Villa have just recorded one of the most historic results in their history.
On Wednesday night, the Villans ran out 1-0 winners over Bayern Munich at Villa Park, a repeat of their 1982 European Cup win.
Although Jhon Duran scored the winner, it was a huge effort from each and every one of the claret-and-blue players on the night.
Now, Villa legend Ian Taylor has spoken about two players at the club who are a “manager’s dream” in wake of the win over Bayern.
Ian Taylor wowed by Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran
Taylor was speaking about Villa strikers Ollie Watkins and Duran, both of whom have made a huge impact at B6.
Watkins’ goals helped the Villans into the Champions League last term and he has kept up the good work with four goals and three assists in all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, Duran has mostly played second fiddle thus far this term, but his impact from the bench has been nothing short of remarkable.
Duran has six goals from nine Villa appearances this season, of which only one was a start. His six strikes have come from just 297 minutes of football.
“It is a manager's dream to have Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran,” Taylor said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“To be managing that situation the way he is at the moment, you've got to take your hat off to Unai Emery.
“You'll have Jhon Duran saying every Monday morning that 'I want to be starting games’.
“But to be doing what he is doing, coming off the bench and having the right attitude to be on the bench to come on and score and keep doing what he's doing at just 20 years old as well, he's just a special player.”
READ MORE: Harry Kane says £17m Aston Villa player was simply 'fantastic' against Bayern Munich
Stars align as Duran shines for Villa in wake of uncertain future
Duran has certainly turned things around at B6 following a summer of speculation regarding his Villans future.
Just weeks ago, the Villa striker was a regular on the transfer rumour mill, with reports claiming Premier League rivals Chelsea were eager to sign him.
Indeed, transfer deadline day saw The Times report that the Blues were looking at offering players as part of a deal to sign Duran.
Had things gone a little differently, Duran could now be playing for either Chelsea or West Ham. Indeed, a switch to east London almost looked like a done deal at one point.
In the end, Villa held firm, and they're now reaping the benefits. The Villans are now the talk of England and Europe, while Duran's stock has never been higher.
