08 February 2023 , 14:53
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Emiliano Buendia reckons Unai Emery is the “perfect” boss to finally bring the best out of him at Aston Villa.
Villa's record £33million signing from Norwich in 2021 has shown flashes of his potential in the Midlands since joining. But he missed out on a place at the World Cup with Argentina after Steven Gerrard regularly chose Brazilian Philippe Coutinho ahead of him.
It is only now under successive Emery that the talented attacking ace is getting a regular run in the side. He has started every Premier League match and scored twice since the Spaniard took charge in October.
Buendia, 26, reflected: “As soon as he (Emery) came, we had a good meeting and I understood everything that he asked of me. I think his ideas are perfect for my game.
"I really enjoy every game. I’m confident and I’m working as hard as possible to be in my best shape to help the team.”
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Buendia hit the woodwork twice in Villa’s 4-2 defeat at home to Leicester last weekend and can expect to keep his place for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.
His all-action style of pressing and harrying opponents is a hit with supporters who like his eye for goal and ability to split defences with a pass.
Buendia has three goals for Villa this season (Clive Rose/Getty Images)He added: “I’ve been here for a year and a half already and I really enjoy living here and playing for this amazing club. I really feel a love for the fans. When they sing my song, it’s quite emotional for me. I’m very happy and I want to give back to them through my football and with good results to help the team and the club.”
Meanwhile, Turkish giants Galatasaray are expected to make a final attempt to lure Coutinho before their transfer deadline. But Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder is willing to fight to regain his place at the Premier League club.
Coutinho, 30, has struggled to make an impact this term after a £17million permanent summer switch following a loan. He is yet to start a Premier League game after new boss Unai Emery arrived in October to replace Coutinho’s old Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
Unai Emery has preferred Buendia to Coutinho (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Coutinho has since appeared six times in the top-flight as a substitute after recovering from injury in late December. But Villa’s Spanish coach has preferred Argentine Emiliano Buendia,26, who is now impressing after a club record £33m switch in 2021.
Brazilian ace Coutinho, who has 69 caps and cost Barcelona a world record £142m in 2018, is willing to stay at Villa though. Last May he signed a four-year contract until 2026 worth £125,000-a-week - a pay cut of more than 70 per cent.
Coutinho has since dismissed suggestions of a possible return to Brazil by pledging his commitment to Villa and the star’s feelings are not thought to have changed.
Villa are also believed to be reluctant to lose another forward after selling top scorer Danny Ings to West Ham during the January window.