Steven Gerrard sets Emi Buendia challenge and reveals reason for Aston Villa decision

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard wants Emi Buendia to chip in with more goal contributions in the final six games of the Premier League season.

The Argentina international has started just one of Villa's last eight games as Gerrard has preferred to field Leon Bailey off the right-hand side of a front three in recent weeks, while Philippe Coutinho is a shoo-in for a spot in the starting XI. Buendia's game time has been cut to mostly substitute appearances following the 1-0 defeat to Watford back in February and he has played over 15 minutes in just three games since then.

Gerrard has often praised Buendia for his work ethic and 'warrior-like' approach to training and match days, but he wants Villa's record transfer arrival to prove his price tag in the closing weeks of the campaign. Buendia has registered six goal contributions in 29 appearances this season and he has been challenged to improve his numbers by the Villa boss.

Gerrard told : "We’ve got a real strong relationship with Emi, we’re happy that he is here. He’s fighting on a daily basis for more game time, obviously them opportunities have come from the bench of late, but he has started a lot of games initially when I first came in.

"So the challenge is very much there for him when he gets the opportunity, whether that’s from the start or from the side, we’re looking for that creative contribution from him, goals or assists. That’s the best way for him to start winning a starting shirt consistently and deliver and execute and get numbers in the game."

Gerrard added: "He works extremely hard every day, he’s tenacious and warrior-like in how he goes about it. A lot of our forward players have got to continue trying to keep the crowd in the right place,