Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says John Doran has “tremendous” potential after the 20-year-old again came off the bench to score in a 3-2 Champions League win at RB Leipzig.
The Colombian has now scored six goals from the bench this season – more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.
He also has the most goals from outside the penalty area after his latest goal helped Villa climb to third place in the Champions League table.
John Doran This is outrageous 🤯
Villa returns to the front at Red Bull Arena 👏#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/qTyp3iWhML
– Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 10, 2024
Emery said: “The idea when preparing the game plan is also to have substitutes help us if we need them. Ollie Watkins had a slight injury and a turnover. Emiliano Buendia comes in and helps Ross Barkley score the third goal. That's what any coach wants.
He added: “Sometimes (Duran) is very enthusiastic and we have to try to maintain a balance with him.
“He scored a great goal and he is working and we are trying to make the team strong through the tactical approach. His potential is huge. He is improving tactically and today he played a great 45 minutes.
Villa is in a good position to qualify directly for the knockout stages, and Barkley's goal in the 85th minute puts them five points behind leaders Liverpool with two matches remaining.
“The Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect every team playing at home to feel strong,” Emery told Amazon Prime. We played with consistency and dominance.
“Today we were thinking that if we win, we can be competitive in the last two matches to be in the top eight. We have achieved that option and we will try to reach the top eight. We are happy that we are in the top 24.”
