‘He is pushing’: Gerrard has been impressed by one Aston Villa player throughout pre-season, he could start v Crystal Palace

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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has been impressed by winger Emi Buendia and could start him against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

In his pre-match press conference, Gerrard was asked about Buendia, after the Argentine winger scored the winner against Everton last weekend.

“Emi has been fantastic since the first day of pre-season, we are delighted with him and he is pushing for a start.” Gerrard said.

Buendia’s important cameo against Everton followed up his second half appearance in Villa’s opening day defeat to Bournemouth.

The former Norwich City player was signed last summer for a club-record fee, and in his 22 starts last season he provided 10 goal contributions.

Gerrard impressed by Buendia, he could start against Palace

Gerrard set up his Villa side differently in their defeat against Bournemouth and win against Everton.

Aston Villa’s unsuccessful trip to the south coast saw Gerrard abandon traditional wingers for their win against Everton until the second half, when Buendia and Leon Bailey were introduced.

An injury to Philippe Coutinho means Gerrard may now be more likely to go back to a traditional 4-3-3, with Ollie Watkins likely to be one of the players shifted out wide.

If this is the case, then Buendia could be next in line for a call-up, after having more of an impact off the bench than the Jamaican Bailey.

Buendia may have one less player to compete against for minutes at Villa shortly, with the club expecting a bid for Bertrand Traore.

The club are also reportedly interested in another defender, and a number of players including Jason Denayer and Rob Holding have been linked with the club in recent days.

Although Gerrard didn’t confirm anything in his press conference, Buendia has clearly had a positive impact on his manager, and could be set for more minutes very soon.