Aston Villa told Emery favourite has been ‘outstanding’ since Gerrard exit

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Gabby Agbonlahor believes Emiliano Buendia has been ‘outstanding’ since Aston Villa sacked Steven Gerrard and appointed Unai Emery.

The Villans fired Gerrard in October following a 3-0 defeat at Fulham that left the club 17th in the Premier League.

Yet Aston Villa have been one of the division’s best-performing sides since Emery took over in November. So much so that they are now competing for European qualification.

Gerrard had seldom trusted Buendia to turn Aston Villa’s fortunes around but he has been a mainstay of Emery’s plans.

The 26-year-old started just three of his 11 Premier League appearances under Gerrard this season. Buendia further only scored once and failed to lay on an assist.

But Buendia has started 19 of Aston Villa’s 20 games with Emery so far. He has also offered four goals and two assists under the Spaniard yet.

Buendia is giving Emery what Gerrard neglected at Aston Villa

Gerrard opted to award Buendia one of his mere three starts after coming off the bench to score against Everton in August.

The Argentine would also score off the bench against Everton under Emery during his only substitute appearance under the Spaniard.

But Buendia is also giving Emery what Gerrard neglected at Aston Villa in his general play.

He was one of, if not the, star of the show for the Villans against Brentford after pulling the strings. And Buendia showed an endless desire to make an impact against Fulham.

What Buendia is giving Emery from a free role behind Ollie Watkins is delighting Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor.

Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: “He has been outstanding. He didn’t get as much game-time under Steven Gerrard as he would have liked.

“But under Emery, he is [a] first pick. He is just a pain. He gets into little holes, he is very good with his passing [and] he is always looking for Watkins.”

Buendia had shown Gerrard what he could offer

Buendia had shown Gerrard what he could offer under the England icon at Aston Villa last season. But Gerrard’s faith did not carry over to this term.

The one-cap Argentina international ended the season with two assists and two goals in his final six Premier League appearances.

Now, Emery is taking full advantage of the player Buendia has shown he can be with Aston Villa. One whom Gerrard neglected as their season started on the wrong foot.