Jhon Duran and John McGinn, two Aston Villa players, had a hectic week during the international break. Here’s how they felt about this weekend’s matchup against Everton.
Even though there isn’t any Premier League action to be had due to the international break, Aston Villa’s players may be seen playing for their different nations all around the world. The main goal is for every single player to return to the West Midlands in good health, but it would be an extra bonus if they were to return with full strength and contribute to Villa’s current six-point lead.
Jhon Duran is one player who has been especially beneficial to his team lately, and the attacker performed admirably on the international scene once more.
Colombia, continuing their World Cup qualification campaign this weekend, were on track for their first defeat at the hands of Peru. Manager Nestor Lorenzo introduced the 20-year-old with 18 minutes remaining and eight minutes from time it was his flick-on from a corner that teed up Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to nod in an equaliser.
As an impact replacement, Duran has a tendency for scoring goals, which has helped Villa win both of their games thus far. He restored the advantage late in the encounter against West Ham on opening day, and his score against Leicester City late in the match doubled the lead before the match was eventually won 2-1.
But if Ollie Watkins is judged unable to play in the next game against Everton, Unai Emery might have to scrap the strategy that has worked so effectively for him thus far.
The reason the charmer hasn’t been as effective as his Colombian rival this year is that he returned to preseason later than expected following England’s Euro 2024 campaign in order to recover and regain his full condition.
Despite being chosen for the Three Lions, he was returned to Bodymoor Heath for more evaluation prior to their first game against Ireland. In the UEFA Nations League, Youri Tielemans scored a goal as Belgium defeated Israel on the global scene.
In the second half, his country’s lead was regained by his tremendous strike, and they went on to win 3-1. John McGinn and his teammates on the national team were saddened once more, several days after experiencing heartache at the final minute while playing for Scotland against Poland. Portugal stole the win over them this time, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now the international break is due to wrap up in the coming days, by which point Villa’s players will return to resume the 2024/25 campaign. As mentioned Everton are up next in the league, then next week will see the club’s return to Champions League action with the trip to Swiss side Young Boys.
To mark the return of Aston Villa’s status as a participant in Europe’s elite club competition, we’ve produced this print special which is available to all supporters.
We look at how Unai Emery – who is no stranger to winning European trophies – can lead Villa deep into the competition, and the players who will be key to their campaign, while breaking down their opposition in the league stage. Of course, we also turn the clock back to 1982 and that famous win in Rotterdam.
