Exclusive: What Jhon Duran has done behind the scenes at Aston Villa that has blown Unai Emery away
Today at 01:15 AM
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has well and truly turned things around at B6 following a summer of speculation regarding his Villans future.
Just a couple of months ago, the Villa striker’s name regularly did the rounds on the transfer rumour mill, with reports claiming 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.
The window shut with Duran still at Villa and, though he hasn’t been handed many starts since then, he’s made the most of his minutes off the bench.
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.
Arguably the most important of those goals came on Wednesday night as he bagged the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Now, TBR Football has learned about what Duran has been doing behind the scenes at Villa that has particularly impressed Emery.
TBR also has an update on the Villans’ transfer stance involving the 20-year-old striker amid continued links with Chelsea.
Unai Emery wowed by Jhon Duran attitude in Aston Villa training
TBR sources have told us that Emery is delighted, not just with Duran’s goal but his work and intensity in training.
There has been a major uplift off the pitch, which is hugely pleasing to the boss and his coaching staff.
The club never doubted Duran’s ability but was always whether he would fight for his place and put the work in – that is what they are seeing now.
As it stands Duran is not available, that’s it – he is a part of the squad.
Villa don’t anticipate selling any major asset in January as it stands – unless the right deals present themselves, so never say never.
On that, we can confirm that Chelsea remain hugely keen on Duran – they wanted him in the summer and interest remains.
Unai Emery right to keep faith in Duran
Football is a game of fine margins, and the transfer window also operates on fine margins.
Had things gone a little differently, Duran could now be playing for either Chelsea or West Ham.
Indeed, a switch to Julen Lopetegui’s ailing Hammers almost looked like a done deal at one point.
In the end, Villa held firm, and they’re now reaping the benefits, and then some. Duran has helped them make history and he looks like a superstar in the making.
Emery deserves credit for a lot of things at Villa Park, and opting not to simply offload Duran is right up there among his best decisions.
And to think Duran cost Villa just £14.75million up front (BBC Sport).
