Durán replaced Ollie Watkins in the 70th minute, and just nine minutes later, the 20-year-old Colombian striker made an immediate impact.
With Bayern Munich pressing for an opening, Durán took advantage of a long ball played over the top. Spotting the experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line, Durán controlled the pass brilliantly and, with composure beyond his years, unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that sailed past Neuer and into the back of the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that not only showcased Durán’s finishing ability but also his tactical awareness and sharp instincts on the field.
Durán and Watkins
This goal marked Durán’s fifth of the season, an impressive feat given that most of his appearances have come from the bench. What makes the young forward even more remarkable is his knack for scoring critical goals that often turn the tide in favor of Aston Villa. In previous Premier League matches against West Ham United and Everton, Durán had already demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net when it mattered most, often delivering game-changing performances. His consistent impact in crucial moments has quickly earned him a reputation as one of Villa’s most reliable substitutes.
During the post-match press conference after the Bayern game, manager Unai Emery was effusive in his praise for the young striker. Despite using Durán primarily as an impact player from the bench, Emery clearly sees a bright future for the Colombian forward. “He only joined the club two years ago,” Emery pointed out, emphasizing Durán’s relatively short time at Aston Villa and how much he has already developed. “Durán is still young, but his potential is enormous. He has the talent and work ethic to become a key player for this club.”
However, Emery acknowledged that managing a young, ambitious player like Durán comes with its own challenges. “Sometimes he gets impatient,” Emery admitted. “There are moments when I have to sit down with him and explain why he’s not starting. He wants to play more, and I understand that. But we have to manage his development carefully. He’s learning a lot, and there’s no doubt he will get more opportunities.”
One of the reasons for Durán’s limited starting appearances is the presence of Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa’s first-choice striker. Watkins, an established Premier League forward, has been in fine form, making Emery’s selection decisions particularly challenging. “It’s a bit of a headache for me as a manager,” Emery confessed with a smile. “I have two excellent strikers in Durán and Watkins, and both bring different qualities to the team. Managing their playing time is a balancing act.”
Emery hinted that the two strikers could potentially play together in certain tactical setups but emphasized that, at times, it’s more effective to start with Watkins and bring Durán on later in the game. “Sometimes they can play together, especially in games where we need more attacking options. But often, it’s better to start with Watkins, who has experience and leadership, and then bring Durán on in the last 20 minutes to exploit tired defenses,” Emery explained.
This approach has worked well so far, as Durán has consistently taken advantage of late-game opportunities to make a difference. His energy, pace, and finishing ability make him a dangerous weapon against opposition defenses that are already stretched by 70 or 80 minutes of play. Emery’s strategy of using Durán as a super-sub has paid off handsomely, and with each goal, the young Colombian continues to grow in confidence and stature.
Looking ahead, Durán’s potential to become a starting striker for Aston Villa seems inevitable. His performances this season have already drawn attention from fans and pundits alike, who are excited about his future in English football. At just 20 years old, Durán has plenty of time to develop into a top-class forward, and under Emery’s guidance, he is in the perfect environment to continue his growth.
For now, though, Durán appears content with his role as Villa’s game-changing substitute, knowing that his time to lead the line on a regular basis will come soon enough. As Aston Villa continues its domestic and European campaigns, Durán will undoubtedly play a crucial role, whether from the bench or as a starter. His potential, as Emery noted, is enormous, and Villa fans can look forward to seeing many more moments of magic from the young Colombian striker in the years to come.