Emi Buendia sent brutal 'not enough' warning amid Aston Villa struggles

Former Aston Villa player Gabriel Agbonlahor has called for Steven Gerrard to drop Emi Buendia from the starting line-up after claiming the £33million man is currently not offering the side enough in terms of his goal involvements.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said: “I like the system, it worked for Rangers and when he (Gerrard) first came into Villa.

“We need more from the players that are playing in the system. The greatest managers stick to the system and I think Gerrard will.

“A lot of these players that aren’t performing are at risk of being replaced in the summer. It’s a big test for them and they’re playing for their Aston Villa futures.

“There are two-and-a-half months left of the season, these players have got to start putting in performances. There was more than enough talent to beat Watford. You can blame managers but I would stick with Gerrard. Players need to start performing.

“You’ve got a youngster in Jacob Ramsey as your joint top goalscorer. You brought Buendia and (Leon) Bailey in, they’ve got to start performing.

“Buendia, two goals and two assists in 22 games, it’s not enough. He’s not new to English football. Little glimpses in matches are not enough, I want goals and assists not little turns.

“I would drop him, to be honest. He was the big signing, I need more from him. Games against Watford and Newcastle were the perfect opportunity to go out and get some goals.

“Gerrard will be fuming with those last couple of games. He’ll be questioning who is with him, who wants to show that bit of quality.”

Buendia currently leads Villa in assists, expected assists, key passes, shot creating actions per game, goal creating actions, pressures in the midfield third and is third for tackles won.