Jhon Durán

[paul_e]

I can’t help feeling that we might be getting closer to cashing in on Watkins.
Love him as a player but I think it might well be a decision for us to take next season.

I’ll be honest I think they’re both really good, and different, and we need them both.

Yep. If we sell Watkins we'd just be back to having to find another striker in a market where decent ones are hard to find and very expensive. It might be that our hand gets forced one way or another but we, as fans, need to be a lot less eager to create problems for ourselves.

[brontebilly]

Will start at the weekend, going to be hard to hold this kid back. To think how close he was going to West Ham in the summer and they bouncing between which of Ings, Fulkrug and pre injury Antonio should up front for them!

[Somniloquism]

I think he’d have buried at least two of Watkins’ first half efforts. I still like Watkins though

He had a couple of similar himself he didn't score.

[cdbearsfan]

I can’t help feeling that we might be getting closer to cashing in on Watkins.
Love him as a player but I think it might well be a decision for us to take next season.

I’ll be honest I think they’re both really good, and different, and we need them both.

I agree, but we're going to very quickly reach a point where it's not going to be possible to as one is not going to be satisfied being second fiddle to the other.

Neither are second fiddle, though. Duran started at the weekend then played all of the second half today. If we can go far in the Champions League (and, less likely, the FA Cup) then they will be both play loads of games.

[Brend'Watkins]

Very true. I’ll also add that Villa being Villa will mean an injury is around the corner quite possibly.

[VillaTim]

Difficult to leave him out Saturday after his last two games

[paul_e]

I can’t help feeling that we might be getting closer to cashing in on Watkins.
Love him as a player but I think it might well be a decision for us to take next season.

I’ll be honest I think they’re both really good, and different, and we need them both.

I agree, but we're going to very quickly reach a point where it's not going to be possible to as one is not going to be satisfied being second fiddle to the other.

Neither are second fiddle, though. Duran started at the weekend then played all of the second half today. If we can go far in the Champions League (and, less likely, the FA Cup) then they will be both play loads of games.

So far Watkins has 20 appearances and about 1400 minutes, Duran has 22 appearances and 750 minutes.

Given Watkins was clearly first choice in August that seems fair. Barring any major injuries they're both likely to play 50 games and get 2500-3500 minutes for the season, I think that will be enough for them for this season. By the end of next year I can see Watkins getting twitchy because Duran is only going to get better. That is a 2026 problem though and there's far too much to happen before then for it to be a big deal now. When one of them does go their replacement is going to be, in my opinion, the most important signing we've made since we came back up, we have to get it right and we have to get someone who can come in and get 15-20 goals a season (as both of these pair are going to get).

[Olneythelonely]

I’d definitely play him at the weekend. It doesn’t mean Watkins is for the scrap heap though. Despite what some of you weirdos think.

[john e]

If we sell Duran because we get offered big money it will be the biggest mistake in the transfer market we’ll have made in my lifetime
And I’m old

[Somniloquism]

I’d definitely play him at the weekend. It doesn’t mean Watkins is for the scrap heap though. Despite what some of you weirdos think.

If fit, Watkins will come on second half anyway.

[IFWaters]

I'd try Watkins and Rogers either side of Big John. He's the most clinical finisher but between the 3 of them they could rip defences to shreds. Baileys off like an old stilton so it's worth a try.

[Villan82]

I'd try Watkins and Rogers either side of Big John. He's the most clinical finisher but between the 3 of them they could rip defences to shreds. Baileys off like an old stilton so it's worth a try.

Yes but something would have to give in midfield and the midfield structure has been key to getting us to the top7, then top 4.

[pauliewalnuts]

Duran is just nuts isn't he? In a good way, obvs, but, well, he's fucking nuts.

That goal tonight, I didn't just cheer when it went in, I burst out laughing, because you just have to.

[VILLA MOLE]

Another moment when he goes to shoot and i am thinking’ not from there’ 😳😃

[Matt C]

Another moment when he goes to shoot and i am thinking’ not from there’ 😳😃

You’re not alone - I’d barely managed to utter “FFS” this time before the net rippled.