Aston Villa edged past Wycombe Wanderers to progress into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with one player now receiving praise.
A much-changed Aston Villa starting XI – including Sil Swinkels, Kosta Nedeljkovic and Kaden Young – travelled to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night.
Unai Emery would have expected his side to dominate against League One opposition but for the most part, the game was evenly matched.
Wycombe had multiple chances to score past Joe Gauci before captain Emi Buendia took responsibility by scoring a looping header early into the second half.
Jhon Duran then doubled Villa’s lead from the penalty spot minutes from time, and although the hosts scored a last-minute consolation, the night belonged to Buendia.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa player ratings vs Wycombe Wanderers, Kadan Young shines as two players get 5/10
Emi Buendia receives praise vs Wycombe Wanderers
Buendia described the moment of starting his first Aston Villa match for 16 months as ‘special’, with the 27-year-old leading his young guns into the next round of the competition.
Emery deployed Buendia in his favourable number 10 role and throughout the night, he looked the most likely to break the deadlock and obliged with his headed goal.
The Argentine was also hacked down several times after showcasing his sublime close control on the turn.
Despite opening the deadlock with a header, Buendia was instrumental in other areas of his game, winning six of his 10 ground duels, recording an 85% pass completion and three accurate long balls.
It was the display of a man who was desperate to prove his worth to Emery on his first start in over 16 months and the silky attacking midfielder received praise for his performance.
Buendia posted an emotional message on Instagram after the game and many players rushed to congratulate the former Norwich City man, including Tottenham’s James Maddison and teammate Emi Martinez.
- READ MORE: Three things we learnt after Aston Villa did just enough to beat Wycombe in the Carabao Cup
Why Emi Buendia can play an important role for Aston Villa
Buendia’s return to first-team action is a timely one as Villa go through a period without captain John McGinn while navigating a busy fixture schedule.
The attacking midfielder – who they signed from Norwich City for £33 million in 2021 – can play an important role in the coming weeks.
Although Morgan Rogers is ahead of Buendia in the number 10 position, the Argentine can assume a role on the right or left, perhaps replacing the quality of McGinn in the process.
He’s also an incredible creative outlet from the bench, with Buendia capable of outfoxing defenders on the half-turn and driving into dangerous pockets of space.
The above attributes will come in handy if there is ever a time when Villa are chasing a game and need some creative inspiration, as that is something the Aston Villa No.10 isn’t short on.
