Aston Villa to axe Buendia and start 20-yr-old against West Ham – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Aston Villa sensation Jacob Ramsey has been a victim of Emiliano Buendia’s club-record arrival.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer insisted Ramsey should replace Buendia in Dean Smith’s starting XI.
The 20-year-old replaced Buendia from the bench in Villa’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Friday night and scored his side’s consolation goal.
It was his first goal for Aston Villa’s senior side in his 36th appearance across all competitions.
Buendia moved to Villa Park from Norwich City over the summer in a deal that could reach £38million.
Agbonlahor suggested the 24-year-old’s price tag is weighing heavily on Smith’s mind.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Ramsey’s been very unlucky to lose his place.
“If Ramsey starts, then Buendia doesn’t start. I think Dean Smith is in a tough position, where he wants to play his £30million signing, it’s a lot of money to put him on the bench.
“If I’m choosing a player to play out of both of them, I’m choosing Ramsey. I think he’s been in great form this season.
“If you look at Chelsea away, he was outstanding, running with the ball.
“He adds more legs in there with John McGinn and Douglas Luiz.
“For me, I think he’ll start him next game.”
Buendia has played eight times across all competitions for Aston Villa.
The Argentine has completed 90 minutes just once in the Premier League, the 1-1 draw with Brentford where he also scored his only Villa goal.
In other news, Newcastle United have set their sights on signing an Aston Villa star in January and £15million will seal the deal.