Controversial Aston Villa wonderkid Jhon Duran has revealed he has ‘constant fights’ with manager Unai Emery.

Duran has established himself as one of the most talented young strikers in the Premier League but his fiery personality certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The Colombian made it abundantly clear in the summer that he wanted to leave Villa to explore opportunities elsewhere, doing so in a rather unprofessional fashion. Duran, heavily linked with West Ham United at the time, made an irons gesture with his fists during a social media live stream.

That act prompted internal action from Villa and Emery had to speak directly with the player in an effort to calm him down. Duran ended up staying at the club and his start to the season has been excellent, but even then he’s shown signs of immaturity – notably recently kicking his seat after being substituted against Bologna.

Many fanbases would have lost their patience with such an attitude from a player but Duran’s incredible goalscoring rate means he’s been forgiven by most. The 20-year-old has netted a remarkable eight times in just 527 competitive minutes, with four in the Premier League and two apiece in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Jhon Duran and Unai Emery often don't see eye to eye at Aston Villa. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Jhon Duran and Unai Emery often don't see eye to eye at Aston Villa. | Getty Images

Emery isn’t particularly known for his man-management skills but he’s made a big effort to help Duran mature as much as possible. It’s not been an easy process, with the player himself admitting so, but progress has been made.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Duran said: "It's love and hate sometimes! But no, I feel very grateful to him and his coaching staff. We've had many problems, but they're normal, I think. Sometimes it happens, and there are sparks! So we're constantly fighting!

“But I think it's normal for a young man of my age, and a person like him who already knows a lot, who has already achieved so many things. Yes, sometimes we argue. Because he has his point of view, I have mine, and I've never been the one who stays quiet. If I have something to say, no matter who it is, I say it.”

It appeared even after the summer window that Duran’s future at Villa was uncertain but the number nine put pen to paper on a contract extension in October. Duran is now committed until June 2030.