Jhon Duran produced another incredible moment from the bench, this time against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Aston Villa secured a memorable 1-0 victory in the Champions League as Unai Emery ended Bayern Munich’s 41-match unbeaten record in the group stage.
Jhon Duran was the hero from the bench as the 20-year-old came on for Ollie Watkins in the 70th minute and produced the match-winning moment.
Receiving the ball from Pau Torres, the Colombian caught Manuel Neuer off his line and produced a sublime lob over the German to send Villa Park into raptures.
It was Duran’s sixth goal of the season – and his fifth from the bench – with Paul Merson now sharing his verdict on the striker.
Paul Merson would be surprised if Jhon Duran starts vs Man United
Duran is perhaps the most unfortunate player in world football, as scoring one goal from the substitutes bench would normally result in a start, never mind scoring five.
Darren Bent has previously described playing behind Ollie Watkins as a ‘nightmare’, and the youngster continues to discover how difficult it is to usurp the Englishman, no matter what he does.
Following his latest stunning winner against Bayern in the Champions League, many will be asking for Duran to start against Manchester United on Sunday but former Arsenal striker Paul Merson doesn’t believe he will.
Speaking on Sky Sports Gillette Labs Soccer Special, Merson said: “I’d be shocked if he wasn’t on the bench again on Sunday, I only say that because if you’re a manager under pressure, not many players can make the difference he can from the bench.
“It’s very different starting a game to coming off the bench, Ollie Watkins is a mover, if you need to make a difference, I don’t think Watkins can do what Duran does. amazing player, honestly, the goal is just unreal it’s a phenomenal finish.”
Jhon Duran vs Ollie Watkins
Merson is perhaps right in saying that Watkins wouldn’t have the impact Duran does from the bench, which is why the Colombian has that responsibility instead.
Watkins did have a great night against Bayern, as he continuously bullied Dayot Upamecano, who should have been sent off in the first half.
But it was another inspired tactical decision from Emery, to take off the Englishman for Duran 20 minutes from time that ultimately inspired Villa to a famous victory.
While he continues to produce these special moments regularly from the bench, the Villa boss will feel no pressure to start him however, it only feels a matter of time before the young striker starts in the Premier League.
That said, Duran doesn’t seem to care about starting games at the moment, as he thrives from the big occasions and moments where he’s coming off the bench to produce the match-winner.
