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‘Fantastic’: Rio Ferdinand says £75k-a-week Aston Villa ace was truly ‘fabulous’ today
Rio Ferdinand has praised Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia for his efforts in Saturday’s Premier League win over Everton.
The £33million man came on in the 60th minute of the match at Villa Park, replacing the struggling Philippe Coutinho.
Buendia was bright from the off and almost scored with an acrobatic effort midway through the second half.
The ace did eventually get on the scoresheet, making it 2-0 in front of the Holte End with four minutes left.
Buendia made his way deep into the Everton half, drawing defenders to him before releasing Ollie Watkins down the right.
Watkins then unselfishly squared the ball for the Argentine to tap into the empty net.
Though Everton halved the deficit moments later through a Lucas Digne own goal, Villa held on for victory.
After Villa’s 2-1 win, Ferdinand hailed Buendia on BT Sport for his goal and overall impact off the bench.
Ferdinand said, as transcribed by : “From an attacking perspective it was fabulous, the way he manipulated the situation.
“Onana loses the ball and it gets turned over. What I love here is the unselfish run from Watkins and the patience from Buendia, who draws the defenders to him.
“It’s a great weight of pass and the space is there. It’s a fantastic finish from Buendia.”
After Joe Cole said Buendia “made the difference”, Ferdinand added: “What Gerrard will be delighted with today, other than the result, is the fact his substitutes had big impacts when they came on – Buendia especially.
“Huge money signing on the bench, he could sulk. But he’s remained engaged.”
Buendia is surely a contender to start at Crystal Palace next week, potentially at the expense of Coutinho, who flattered to deceive against Everton.