Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran more than just a super sub: How former MLS star become Unai Emery’s ace in the hole

The Jhon Duran show continues for Aston Villa as the young Colombian striker found the net against Bologna in a 2-0 victory on Matchday 3 of the Champions League on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has been on a serious run for Aston Villa with six goals in all competitions but this was only the second of those that has come with him as a starter for the side. Generally, Duran has been putting matches out of reach as a super sub but as his game grows, he’s showing that he can do more for the side.

Against Bologna, Duran allowed Unai Emery to rest Ollie Watkins without needing to worry about who would lead the line, an important factor when Villa also needs to worry about maintaining their challenge in the Premier League. Duran took five shots, scoring his goal, but it was also a performance that showed what he can do with limited touches.

It’s easier to make things happen off the bench against tired legs but facing an organized Bologna defense, Duran was able to turn his touches into shots as he’s growing by the day. He’s come a long way since being an 18-year-old playing for the Chicago Fire in Major League soccer but even then, it was clear that Duran was a prospect to watch.

In his lone season with the Fire, Duran scored eight goals and assisted three more from an xG of eight. He has overperformed his xG so far in his time with Villa but that’s because he’s a good finisher. Teenagers don’t do what Duran did in MLS often and he could end up going down as one of the best players to ever spend time in the league. 

Close to joining West Ham United during the summer, this has been a time that shows how quickly things can change for an athlete. From almost moving to now signing a contract extension and starring in Champions League play, the sky is the limit for the Colombian. Even when it comes to the national team, Duran could break in and become a full-time starter for the Colombia squad if he can continue his strong form, though his prowess off the bench continues to be his best attribute. 

Already with one of the top strikers in the Premier League on the team in Watkins, Emery may have a good problem on his hands about figuring out how to play the duo together. With their ability in space and finishing power, they can provide Villa with even more ways to break down stubborn defenses. It’s quite a time for Duran and with two more goals, he’ll already equal his production from all of last season. It’s only October, so new highs are likely coming as he continues to meet each challenge in his path and provide Emery with an ace in the hole that any team would covet.