Unai Emery’s system at Villa Park, alongside the importance of Ollie Watkins, means Duran has not yet started a Premier League game this season.

Despite that, he has scored four league goals off the bench and added to his overall tally by netting in a full 90 against Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

Iconic TV commentator Darke is full of praise for the 20-year-old Colombian, who has given his head coach plenty to consider ahead of the trip to Ipswich Town next weekend.

“To play them both would certainly affect the shape of the team. It does seem to either be him or Watkins – and at the moment, it would still be Watkins,” Darke exclusively told Villa News.

“They say, though, with footballers that you have to take your chance when you get it, and Duran is certainly doing that. He’s making a very big impact.

“He scored a spectacular goal against Everton, and he’s showing a lot in the time he plays. It’s a lovely problem for Unai Emery to have.”

Jhon Duran bashing the door down at Aston Villa

Since Duran has been at the club, Aston Villa fans have seen the talent he possesses in small bursts during his fleeting appearances last term.

Following a summer of supposed discontent, strong potential of a departure and eventually committing to Villa Park, Duran has raised it a level and is now firmly challenging an England international who scored 27 goals last season, an almighty achievement.

Showing a fearless style of play and a supreme confidence that belies his years, Duran is certainly giving Emery plenty to think about and has, at this early stage of the campaign, outscored Watkins by two goals in far less game time.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins [Credit: Imago]There is plenty the young striker is doing under the radar too, like his impressive assist for Colombia against Peru earlier this month, and the outrageous finish which was ultimately disallowed by VAR in the Champions League opening win at Young Boys.

Emery is understandably reluctant to tamper with a shape which is working, meaning Duran will have to continue taking the chances he does get.