Aston Villa captain John McGinn says the “sky is the limit” for Jhon Duran after he helped the Villains to a 2-0 win over Bologna in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, Afrosport reports.
The Colombian forward started the game and doubled Villa’s lead in the 64th minute after McGinn put them ahead nine minutes earlier.
It put Duran in the spotlight once again after extending his tally this season to seven games in 12 competitive games, the bulk of which have come from the bench.
The 20-year-old was taken off shortly after he scored for Ollie Watkins and showed an angry expression in the dugout at the substitution. McGinn however stated that his teammate did not have a bad intention with his reaction but simply wanted to play more.
“I think he [Duran] just wanted to play more,” McGinn said per Birmingham Mail. “He wasn’t doing it in a bad way. I was there keeping an eye on him. He was just saying he was enjoying it and wanted another 10 minutes but we have the luxury of having him and Ollie, two top strikers. Long may that continue.
“I knew I was coming off. I think that was just to protect the hamstring a little bit. I don’t know if he did. I think he was thinking I have just scored, keep me on. But it is football and on Saturday he will get another chance.
“He has been brilliant. He is someone who is full of life, full of character. He has great humour. He has really come out of his shell, well, he wasn’t always in his shell but I think the sky is the limit for him.”
Our two goalscorers 👏 pic.twitter.com/cgD3ra69Dd
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 22, 2024
Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking on Duran’s reaction to getting substituted, asserted he did not have any issue with it.
“I have no problem with his reaction. Every message we send in the dressing room is about respect and having our values,” the Spanish tactician said. “Some young players can react a little bit, but it is under my control. His first start of this year – always it is more difficult to start when the opponents are fresh.
“He played very well, and he scored a good goal. It was fantastic the way he accelerated. We will play both strikers sometimes, and when they play individually as well as today – with Ollie Watkins – it is best for the team.”
Villa’s victory saw them temporarily move to the top of the Champions League standings, winning all three games so far, including a famous 1-0 win over German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
