Aston Villa striker, Jhon Duran, is the second choice striker in the squad this season and following a big money move in January, he needs to make an impact.
The 19-year old signed for the Villains from Chicago Fire in a deal in the region of £15 million, a large sum for a player at that age.
In his time MLS he scored eight and assisted six, tempting Unai Emery and co, into securing his signature.
The Colombian has gone on to score two at Villa Park in limited game time.
With Ollie Watkins scoring just one in his last 11 Premier League games, could Duran be an option worth starting?
Who should start Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran?
There is lots of talk within the Villa fanbase over Watkins and his recent form.
His first touch has been very suspect, being dispossessed six times in the past three games.
Duran scored off the bench against Everton, and added a well taken second goal of the season against Hibernian.
The youngster has scored a league goal more recently than Villa’s top scorer last year but is that reason enough to start?
No.
For many reasons, Watkins has to start over Duran.
When it comes to attacking and defensive metrics, the Englishman is one of the highest rated forwards in Europe.
With a non-penalty xG of 0.47 per game this year, he will find the net on a regular basis soon.
His work rate is also top tier, making over a clearance per game, defending from the front.
With that being said, in limited game time, it is hard to quantify what Duran could add to the front line in terms of pressing.
Against Liverpool he was substituted onto the pitch and didn’t have the best cameo.
Taking two shots, less than a minute apart, with 0.08 xG combined is a sign of his inexperience.
At his age and the ability he possesses in terms of raw pace and power. He might be a better bench option he seems like a better option.
With the Conference League, the Colombian has the chance to make his mark and maybe earn himself more starts.
