Thomas Hitzlsperger wades in on Jhon Duran debate and questions Unai Emery plan

Aston Villa strikers Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins have each scored four Premier League goals so far this season

Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has questioned whether Unai Emery needs to make room for Jhon Duran in his starting XI.

The Colombia international has bagged four goals in seven Premier League appearances and is averaging a goal every 46 minutes. It's the best minutes-per-goal ratio of anyone to feature for at least 90 minutes this season.

Ollie Watkins has also bagged four goals this term and he managed to strike 19 times in the last campaign while also registering 13 assists, which was a league high. Emery is now planning to unlock the exciting firepower he has in his attacking ranks, but is wary of how starting Watkins and Duran could impact his tactical structure.

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"I am managing the best tactical way each match playing with Watkins and then with him, sometimes together," Emery told Sky Sports earlier this month.

"Of course, he is going to play in the starting XI soon and as well he can play with Watkins because I think now their preparation to play together keeping our same style and demands, now I think they are ready.

"I have to think and to stop myself to take 10 minutes to manage the different possibilities with them [forward options]."

Speaking about the Duran debate on the Planet Premier League podcast, Hitzlsperger said: "The fact that Emery can do various things with his squad is really impressive.

"It does work for Duran coming off the bench. Duran was about to leave in the summer and most managers would just say 'I'm not interested in you any more, you don't want to be part of this team - go'. Then they would tell the owners to find a new club for him.

"But Emery managed to put his arm around Duran and said 'you have got quality, we need you, you can help this team' and he has delivered sooner than expected.

"That is so brilliant and that is when the experience of Unai Emery comes in and says 'I have got a spot for you, just be patient' and it all pays off. That recipe with Ollie Watkins starting and Duran coming on, why would you change it if it works?"

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