Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emi Buendia ‘will be frustrated’ with his role within the first-team squad, according to BirminghamLive journalist Ashley Preece.
The talented 25-year-old has struggled for regular game time in the opening weeks of the current campaign and has often had to settle for cameo appearances off the substitute’s bench.
What is the latest news involving Buendia?
Buendia penned a five-year contract worth £82,000-per-week when he arrived at Villa Park in a club-record £38 million move from Norwich City back in June 2021.
It was hoped that the creative talent could help propel the Midlands outfit up the Premier League table, but he was limited to just 22 starts in the top-flight throughout his maiden campaign with the club.
The one-cap Argentina international still managed to register a respectable four goals and six assists in his 35 league appearances last term, though, highlighting his potential when given an opportunity to shine.
However, the arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in January on an initial loan deal has seen Buendia slip down the pecking order under manager Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard played alongside Coutinho during their time together at Liverpool and has often favoured the Brazilian over his fellow South American teammate despite some underwhelming displays.
What has Preece said about Buendia?
Preece believes that Buendia is disappointed with his limited game time since making the switch to Villa, yet reckons he remains ‘determined’ to force his way into Gerrard’s plans.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think he will be frustrated, yes. I think he’ll want to play every game, Buendia.
“He’s a club-record buy for Villa, they forked out a lot of money for Buendia, and he's been knocked down the pecking order by Coutinho ever since his arrival. So, he'll be frustrated, but he’ll be determined to get back in this team and keep his shirt.”
Does Buendia deserve more game time?
Buendia has only featured from the off on two occasions in all competitions this season but has still scored one goal and one assist across his eight outings.
As per FBref, the 5 foot 8 magician has also ranked in the 93rd percentile for tackles, 91st for progressive passes, 87th for expected assists, and 83rd for pressures amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Those underlying numbers, alongside Buendia’s decent goal contribution tally in a Villa shirt show that he is perhaps being underused and undervalued by Gerrard.
Buendia will surely be hoping that his fortunes change over the coming weeks, especially as Coutinho has scored just once and failed to provide an assist in his last 19 Villa appearances.