Debut display leaves pundit drooling as Villa ace tipped to solve Grealish issue

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has been impressed by what he has seen of Emiliano Buendia and is adamant he will post impressive numbers for Aston Villa.

Buendia, 24, moved to Villa Park on June 10, with the West Midlanders paying Norwich around £38m for the playmaker. The fee comfortably eclipsed the club’s previous transfer record when they paid Brentford £30m for Ollie Watkins last summer. The Argentine spent three seasons at Carrow Road and helped the Canaries gain promotion to the Premier League in 2020-2021.

The former Getafe man made 121 appearances in all competitions, notching 24 goals. He started 39 Championship games last term and found the net 15 times as Daniel Farke’s men claimed the second-tier title.

But he will play no part in the East Anglians latest top-flight crusade after making the move to Villa Park. The South American made his first appearance on Wednesday night as the Villans faced Walsall in a friendly.

And he impressed during 45 minutes of action, assisting Watkins with two superb balls as the England man bagged a brace. Agbonlahor has seen footage of the attacking midfielder in action and pulled no punches in his praise.

“I’ve seen that video of him and he looks very sharp,” he told Football Insider. “He looks like he could play in any of those three positions behind the striker. He can play as a number 10, on the right, on the left.

“I’m excited to see him link up with Grealish and create chances for Watkins. He just looks like a player who’s got the confidence to come straight in and make things happen, take shots.”

Buendia tipped to make real Villa difference

Villa are traditionally a side that like to play attacking football and excite the crowds. And, fans returning at the start of 2021-2022 will get a chance to see the new man up close and personal.

July 22 Transfer Chatter

Chelsea turn their attention to Domenico Berard, Arsenal want Aaron Ramsdale and Man Utd are favourites to sign Ruben Neves.

Agbonlahor knows a bit about the club having scored 87 goals for Villa during a 13-year stay. The 34-year-old believes Dean Smith has acquired a player who fits the bill.

And he expects an impressive return from the former Argentina Under-20 ace.

“Aston Villa have always liked exciting players who get on the ball and take people on and he looks exactly like that sort of player,” he added. “I think he can be as good as he wants to be. He can get double figures in assists and goals in a team like Aston Villa.

“Also, it will take the weight off Jack Grealish. When he gets the ball, they’re going to have to worry about Buendia as well as Jack.”

READ MORE: Financial troubles at Newcastle could see Aston Villa land transfer target