Gabriel Agbonlahor says Gerrard should axe Villa ‘underperformer’

Aston Villa suffered a 1-0 defeat to Watford on Saturday and Emiliano Buendia found himself substituted in the second half as he had less impact after the break. The 25-year-old has now been hooked in his last three appearances and has contributed just two goals since early-December.

Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live and Matt Maher of the Express and Star gave Buendia a player rating of 6/10, so his performance wasn’t the worst of the bunch, but Gabriel Agbonlahor says Steven Gerrard should drop the 25-year-old due to his inconsistency.

He told Football Insider: “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.

“You’ve brought Buendia in, (he’s) got to start performing. Buendia, two goals and (three) 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, (but) I need more from him.”

Against Watford, Buendia played for 70 minutes, had 57 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 76.2% of his 42 passes, created five chances, had three shots with 33% hitting the target, had one interception, produced two through balls, had one successful dribble and made two tackles.

The Argentine international has scored just one goal in the Premier League since August and has managed only two assists since late-October. Buendia was brought in to provide goals, but he’s not been consistent since the move from Norwich City.

Time will tell if Steven Gerrard takes Agbonlahor’s advice, however.

In other news, Paddy Kenny makes ‘massive’ Steven Gerrard prediction for Aston