Aston Villa star who is ‘finally showing quality’ will be 'crucial’ for league turnaround, says Paul Merson
Aston Villa will look to keep their winning run ticking over against Burnley this weekend.
Aston Villa have finally hit a run of positive form after securing three consecutive victories across the Premier League and Europa League.
Following what was far from an ideal start to the season, Unai Emery’s side appear to be back in business and looking to extend their winning run.
The Villans were winless and goalless in their first four Premier League games, before a 1-1 draw with Sunderland presented their first goal of the campaign. Since then, Villa have secured a convincing win over Fulham, which was sandwiched between two Europa League victories.
As they prepare to face Burnley on Sunday, Paul Merson has given his predictions for Emery and his side.
Paul Merson backs Aston Villa star as ‘crucial’ for Premier League turnaround
Making his predictions in his latest Sportskeeda column, Merson has backed Villa to come away with the win over Burnley.
Focusing on Emi Buendia’s performances lately, the Sky Sports pundit praised the midfielder and believes he will be key to Villa’s continued good form.
“Aston Villa are starting to turn a corner now. They got a good win over Fulham last weekend and followed it up with another against Feyenoord in the Europa League. Emiliano Buendia has scored in each of the last two games and is starting to find some form.
“When he first came to the club, I don't think Buendia delivered what was expected of him. But he's an intelligent footballer and is finally showing his quality after regaining his confidence.
“Buendia will be crucial to Villa turning it around this season and with Harvey Elliott also in their ranks, this team can still do wonders, if all of them click together on the pitch. Burnley have been very competitive so far, but I don't know for how long they can remain solid while defending. This is a ruthless league and teams will eventually break you down.”
Emi Buendia impact on Aston Villa
Buendia provided a goal and an assist against Fulham in Aston Villa’s first Premier League win of the season. His efforts helped break their nightmare start to the campaign and lift them out of the bottom three, where few expected them to be at any point in the season.
The Argentinian also popped up with a goal against Feyenoord as Villa secured a 2-0 win in the Europa League. The Villans are now third in the European table and will be feeling confident against next opponent Go Ahead Eagles, who are significantly further down the ranks in 15th.
During the summer, Villa had opened the door for Buendia to be sold to help balance their books. While his future remained uncertain throughout the transfer window, the 28-year-old has shown how important he is to the team.
“He didn’t want to leave, he had the possibility to leave in the transfer window, but he wanted to stay here and take the commitment here. He is showing it every day and every match,” Emery said of Buendia’s summer situation.
“We used it to get his best energy, commitment and qualities. He scored, he helped us and he is going to be important this year.”