Gabby Agbonlahor pulled no punches in his criticism of Emiliano Buendia’s start at Aston Villa, labelling him an “imposter” due to his contrasting form from his Norwich City days, and now Darren Bent has spoken out about the 24-year-old too.
Buendia played 52 minutes in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to West Ham United before Dean Smith hooked him for Tyrone Mings as he was ineffective at Villa Park. Sadly, that’s been the theme of his time in the Midlands. The Argentine had a hand in 32 goals for Norwich last season but has contributed only two goals this campaign.
Bent told talkSPORT: “They miss Jack (Grealish). Jack was fantastic for them, (but) I thought they recruited really well. When they got Danny Ings, I thought what a signing that is. They’ve brought in Emi Buendia, who I’m still unconvinced by. (And) I think Dean Smith’s still trying to find the best formation”.
Buendia has scored one goal and made one assist in nine games across the board. He’s featured regular under Smith without justifying the decision, so he’s at risk of being replaced as Villa search for a much-needed win at Southampton on Friday.
The Midlands outfit have suffered four consecutive league defeats ahead of the clash, so changes need to be made. Buendia hasn’t scored in his last five league appearances and had gone six league games without registering an assists before the West Ham clash, so he’s not exactly bringing goals.
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor calls Emi Buendia an ‘imposter’ for poor form
