Unai Emery
Duran has made a remarkable impact in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals in six substitute appearances. His impressive record includes averaging a goal every 43 minutes at Villa Park, making him the player with the second-best ratio at a single venue (250+ minutes played there), only trailing behind Luis Suarez at Carrow Road. In addition to his league performances, Duran also came off the bench to score the decisive goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, showcasing his ability by lobbing Manuel Neuer just nine minutes after entering the game.
Ahead of Aston Villa’s match against Manchester United, manager Unai Emery discussed Duran’s potential in the starting lineup. Emery suggested that while Duran is ready to start, it depends on whether playing two strikers aligns with his tactical plans. Emery explained his strategic considerations and the possibility of fielding both Duran and Watkins together:
Unai Emery said, “That is the first objective for him. Of course, he has had a very good impact and he can play in the starting XI, but I am managing the best tactical way each match playing with Watkins and then with him, sometimes together. Of course, he is going to play in the starting XI soon and as well he can play with Watkins because I think now their preparation to play together keeping our same style and demands, now I think they are ready.”
Emery elaborated on his tactical approach and the need for balance, stating:
Unai Emery added, “I have to think and to stop myself to take 10 minutes to manage the different possibilities with them [forward options]. We have to get the balance tactically through individual players to feel strong in the game. Of course, we can do it with two strikers, but also manage our positions defensively. You have to be strong when you’re recovering balls and now they are adding goalkeepers as one player more in build-up. This process as a team I am analysing how we can improve.”
