Aston Villa duo Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers have heaped praise on Jhon Duran after his latest heroics in the 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Duran went into Villa's first home fixture at European football's top table in 41 years boasting an incredible record as a substitute in 2024-25.
As many as four Premier League goals - each in separate outings - have been scored as a substitute, three of which have been winning efforts.
The Colombia international again had to make do with a place among the replacements for the Champions League showdown with Bayern at Villa Park.
However, he would end the night having etched his name into Villa folklore after he caught goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line from in the region of 35 yards with 11 minutes remaining.
Martinez would later seal maximum points for Villa in the closing stages with two outstanding saves at point-blank range to make it back-to-back wins on the continent for Unai Emery's side.
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"He's a different animal"
Speaking to TNT Sports after a famous night in Birmingham, Martinez and Rogers each waxed lyrical about a player who ended 2023-24 on the periphery of Emery's plans and had appeared likely to leave in the summer.
Martinez said: "He came back with a different mentality this season. He's willing to work hard, he's pushing Ollie [Watkins] all the way
"They can play together, he's a super sub, the first time he touched the ball, he lobbed Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in history."
Rogers added: "When he came to the club I didn't have a clue he was 20. The way he plays, he's such a handful for defenders.
"When he comes on with all that energy. He knows he'll get that chance and backs himself 100%. He's a great lad.
"Every game is exactly the same. He's the most chilled, relaxed person I've ever met. He's a different animal when he's playing."
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What is Duran's goal ratio this season?
Across nine appearances in all competitions, Duran has been provided with just 297 minutes of football.
His only start has come in the EFL Cup third round tie at Wycombe Wanderers, with the 20-year-old also getting on the scoresheet on that occasion.
Not taking stoppage time into consideration, Duran is now averaging a goal every 49 minutes and 30 seconds during 2024-25.
Darren Plant
