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Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

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Monchi claims Aston Villa have a young talent Emery believes he can mould into ‘one of the best’

Billy Meyers
Billy Meyers

Unai Emery has done a tremendous job since replacing Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

The Spaniard has turned the Villans from relegation candidates into a UEFA Champions League outfit, thanks to his immense coaching skills and some wise recruitment from Monchi – Director of Football at Villa Park.

However, Unai Emery is not done yet, as the 52-year-old has big plans for one young talent at Aston Villa…

Unai Emery believes he can make Jhon Duran into a superstar

Monchi has now revealed that Emery thinks he can coach Jhon Duran into “one of the best strikers” on the planet.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish Director said when speaking about the 20-year-old: “There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran, but Emery is very confident with Jhon. He thinks Duran can become one of the best strikers in the world.

“He wanted to leave, yes. Just because he wants to play, normal, but now it’s all good, he’s happy.”

As Monchi touches upon, Duran attempted to leave Aston Villa during the summer transfer window after West Ham made a handful of bids, seeing as he was only given three Premier League starts.

Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Despite that, the Colombia international still scored five Premier League goals, so perhaps Emery really could turn the South American into one of Europe’s best strikers.

No reason why not

We see absolutely no reason why Duran cannot become a superstar.

The Aston Villa No.9 is quick, boasts excellent upper body strength standing at 6ft and is also remarkably talented when it comes to striking the ball.

Just take a look at the technique on this goal from last season’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Villa Park.

Emery has always proven himself to be more than adept when it comes to coaching strikers, ensuring he had an effective No.9 at Valencia in David Villa, two more at Sevilla in Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro, and another in Gerard Moreno at Villarreal.

It should not be forgotten that Ollie Watkins also remarkably notched 27 goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances last season.

Hopefully, Emery can turn Duran into one of football’s best strikers at Aston Villa.