'He can become very big' - Liverpool verdict delivered on Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
In-form Liverpool forward Luis Díaz has sung the praises of Aston Villa's Jhon Durán after the Colombian's outstanding start to the season.
Díaz is a teammate of Durán's for Colombia and is full of admiration for the Villa striker, believing can reach the pinnacle of football. The 21-year-old has scored seven Premier League goals in just three starts, four of those goals coming in substitute appearances from the bench in the first few weeks of the season. He had recently dislodged England international Ollie Watkins from the starting XI, beginning the last four matches, before a controversial red card decision saw him dismissed on Boxing Day in the Villans' 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
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Durán has been the subject of much discussion in recent months. His top form has stolen headlines as has the new contract he signed in October. Despite the new deal, he has continued to be linked with clubs across Europe such as Italian side Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain of France and was recently tipped for a move to Díaz's Liverpool by former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann.
Speaking to ESPN, Liverpool winger Díaz spoke highly of his compatriot ahead of the festive period.
"From day one that I met him, that I dealt with him and that I saw him play, I already knew the conditions and qualities he had," declared the 25-year-old.
"First I said [if] this boy if he sets his mind to it can become very big, he can become history in the role he has. He can be the best striker.
"It's good that he’s living a great moment, that he’s doing well, that he’s shining in a super spectacular league.
"I’m very happy for him, we shared a lot in the national team, he’s a very calm boy. He lets himself go, but if he has to listen, he does it too.
In hindsight, there is a certain irony in Díaz's labelling of Durán as 'calm' after his antics against the Magpies, however, the former Porto player's praise comes from a place of relationship with Villa's fiery forward. It is abundantly clear that Durán possesses the determination and skill to become a world-beater.
"He’s in the process of continuing to learn like every boy," Díaz continued.
"So he’ll continue to improve in what is left of his career and he’ll continue to score goals, he’ll continue to take the country high. He deserves it very much."
