Unai Emery will be buzzing ahead of Premier League football this weekend, with the Aston Villa boss welcoming back many of his stars who were involved for their nations.
So far, Unai Emery will be pleased to see that none of his Aston Villa stars have picked up any injuries while playing for their countries.
There have been impressive performances too as Lucas Digne’s France edged out Youri Tielemans’ Belgium on Monday night.
Ollie Watkins was also one of the stars in England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, with the 28-year-old coming off the bench to replace Harry Kane.
Watkins showed he can be a super sub, just like Jhon Duran has been doing for club and country this season.
- READ MORE: What France’s media honestly felt about Aston Villa star Lucas Digne’s performance vs Belgium
Colombian media react to Jhon Duran’s goal from the bench vs Chile
Duran has enjoyed an incredible start to the season for Aston Villa, coming off the bench to score on five occasions, including the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old has been simply breathtaking to watch and he’s very unfortunate that Watkins is ahead of him in the pecking order, otherwise, he’d be a guaranteed starter.
Duran experienced a similar feeling for his country in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, with Jhon Cordoba chosen to lead the line.
That was until the Villa talisman replaced Corboda at half-time and announced his name in lights by scoring in the 82nd minute as Colombia thrashed Chile 4-0.
El Tiempo handed him a 7/10 rated and wrote: “Entered through Córdoba (1 ST). I create problems. He had a clear in front of the arch and did not forgive. Seven points.”
El Heraldo also gave him the same rating and said: “He took his chance. He entered to play the second half and in the only one he had he scored a new goal. Ask for ownership.”
- READ MORE: Tim Vickery shares differences between Juan Pablo Angel & new Aston Villa star Jhon Duran
Jhon Duran vs Ollie Watkins
Watkins and Duran will have felt a sense of frustration during the international break as they were left on the bench for both of their international matches.
Unsurprisingly, Watkins grabbed two assists from the bench against Greece and Finland while Duran continued his incredible scoring record after entering the pitch.
Now, as Aston Villa travel to Fulham this weekend, normal service will resume. Emery will most likely start Watkins over his strike partner.
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It’s a dynamic that has worked extremely well in the early stages of this season but many supporters are craving the idea of Duran playing alongside Watkins.
However, for the sake of the teams’ balance, Villa have found it better to start with the Englishman and then bring their clinical Colombian from the bench.
That should continue this weekend with the visitors looking for their fifth Premier League win of the campaign.
