Argentine ace Emi Buendia believes Aston Villa’s new style under Steven Gerrard is getting the best out of him. Buendia’s influence at Villa Park is growing with one goal and two assists in his last seven Premier League appearances. He bagged the club’s in-house player of the month award for January and the 25-year-old’s improved form led to him making his debut for Argentina in their 1-0 win over Colombia last week.
Emi Buendia said: “It was a great month for me. I’m feeling much better in the last couple of months. I feel in good shape and I feel comfortable with my teammates. It was a tough beginning but the adaptation is now quite settled. I’m really pleased and looking forward to what we’ve got ahead.”
Gerrard’s appointment has been key to Buendia’s growth in claret and blue after Dean Smith used the playmaker in a variety of positions in the early part of the season. On working under Gerrard,
Emi Buendia added: “For me, I think I’ve found my best shape. Our style is brilliant for me. I really enjoy playing in this position and this structure. I can only get better every game. I need to help the team with my work, with goals and assists.”
Buendia is operating on the right of Villa’s front three, with recent loan addition Philippe Coutinho set for an extended run on the left. Buendia and Brazilian Coutinho are rivals at international level, but they are building a bond on and off the pitch in the Second City.
Emi Buendia said: “I can learn more from him. He is a top player and he’s shown that already in Liverpool, played for Barcelona and won a Champions League with Bayern Munich. Also, he’s a good person. I have a good connection with him and I try to help him to settle here at Aston Villa in the city. We have a good relationship and I hope it will help the team to get more points.”
