Is Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran the Ultimate Impact Sub?

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran is quickly earning a reputation as the ultimate impact substitute, scoring four goals in five Premier League matches this season – all from the bench. As former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live, Duran’s ability to score after coming on feels inevitable.

The Colombian striker has netted winning goals against West Ham, Leicester, and Everton, and most recently added his side’s third in a 3-1 win over Wolves as a substitute.

Duran is on track to become the player with the most winning goals off the bench in Premier League history. Currently, seven players share the all-time record with five.

The Stats Speak for Themselves

Six of Villa’s last 12 Premier League goals have come from Duran after being introduced as a substitute. With a goal every 80 minutes across his league career, Duran’s record is second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has a goal every 79 minutes.

Duran’s three winning goals as a substitute this season – averaging one every 33 minutes – have already tied him for the most winners as a sub in a single Premier League season.

However, he still has some way to go to match Adam le Fondre’s record of eight goals as a substitute in one campaign, and Jermain Defoe’s all-time Premier League record of 24 goals from the bench.

Why Is Duran Not Starting?

Despite his impressive performances off the bench, Jhon Duran continues to play second fiddle to star striker Ollie Watkins, who scored 27 goals for Villa last season and has three in six games this term.

Duran made only three starts for Villa last season, scoring in one of them against Manchester City. This season, he hasn’t come on before the 60th minute in any match.

Villa manager Unai Emery praised Duran’s recent performances, stating: “Good impact again from Duran. We will need all the players in the matches we play in the next few weeks.”

Interest from West Ham

During the summer, Duran agreed personal terms with West Ham, but Aston Villa turned down two bids for the forward. His performances this season have justified Villa’s decision to keep him, as he continues to make his mark from the bench.