Emi is the epitome of how I want us to play says Stevie
RECORD signing Emi Buendia is beginning to show why Villa invested so heavily in him last summer.
In his past 11 games the £33 million Argentina international has recorded 30 shot-creating actions, seven of which have developed into goal-creating situations.
After a slow start, he is now showing the quality on the ball and tenacity in terms of his workrate that fans were so desperate to see when he arrived from Norwich.
Steven Gerrard has been vocal in his support and admiration of Buendia, who was an influential figure in last weekend’s pulsating 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
“He was my personal man of the match,’’ said the head coach. “OK, there were a few things within the performance that I’m sure Emi will try and improve, that’s the sort of kid and character we’re talking about.
“He epitomised what I wanted from the 90-minute performance. He was competing for headers, he was sliding and won everything he could out of possession. He was getting kicked and some of his football was terrific.
“Just that real energy and passion and fight, committing to a gameplan, I was absolutely delighted with Emi Buendia and he’s been getting better and better each week.”
Gerrard continued: “We’ve sat him down and spoken with him about certain situations but I really loved his performance. He epitomised everything I want to stand for.”
Buendia was lively throughout the game at Villa Park, alongside his South American counterpart Philippe Coutinho, who was substituted on for his debut.
Buendia, Coutinho, Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka all linked up frequently for the two goals, with their intricate passing a joy to watch at times.
Gerrard commented on the prospect of playing Coutinho and Buendia together and said: “For sure. I think other people on the outside might have been thinking when Phil arrived what does it mean for other players in the team and the squad.
“We want as many good players
here as we can, we want players who can play together. They’ve been shining in training together and they get on well with the South American connection.
“We haven’t brought anyone in to replace Buendia, he’s a big player for us and he’s going to contribute and help us a lot moving forward.
“Phil has lifted Emi, for sure. Phil’s lifted Carney and JJ and everyone else around the dressing room, so that’s great to see.”
Meanwhile, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has revealed it took
just one Zoom call with Coutinho to tell him the Brazilian and Gerrard could form an exciting partnership.
Coutinho arrived from Barcelona on loan until the end of the season and Villa have an option to buy the midfielder for £33m in the summer.
“We were on a Zoom call and that reconnection (between Coutinho and Gerrard ) was so obvious to me,’’ said Purslow.
“When we signed Steven Gerrard we knew he would be a hugely important figure in our plans to improve our club and attract the best players.”