Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran: From Raw Talent to Premier League Star

When speaking to those instrumental in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran’s career, common themes emerge: a raw, immensely talented footballer, a family man, and someone who requires guidance.

At just 20 years old, the Colombian striker has made waves with a goal every 83 minutes in the Premier League and is set to face Champions League giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Duran’s rise has been rapid. He is one of the youngest goal scorers in Colombian professional football history and the youngest-ever foreign signing in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Youth coach Wilberth Perea Mena, who met Duran at 14 at his first club, Envigado, recalled telling him, “Today you are here in El Dorado fields, tomorrow you could be stepping into the best stadiums in the world and facing the best players.” Duran laughed at the time, but that dream is now his reality.

‘A Dream Come True’: Duran’s Beginnings

Envigado, a club known for its strong academy and talent production, was where Duran began his professional journey at age 11. Envigado has produced several Colombian internationals and Champions League players, including James Rodriguez and Fredy Guarin.

For Duran, leaving his family’s home in Medellin was tough. Fortunately, the club brought his family to live with him, keeping his support system intact. Perea described Duran as temperamental on the field but a noble, family-oriented person off it.

Perea was also responsible for converting Duran from a winger to a striker, often showing him videos of top strikers like Villa and Colombia icon Juan Pablo Ángel.

“Jhon was sometimes difficult, but I knew how to manage it,” Perea said. He recalls once finding Duran skipping school to stay home and listen to music. “I almost grabbed him by the ears,” Perea joked.

Despite the occasional challenge, Duran’s talent was undeniable. At just 15, he broke into Envigado’s first team and became the second-youngest player to score in Colombia’s top flight.

Duran’s Discovery in MLS

Duran’s talent caught the eye of Chicago Fire’s technical director Sebastian Pelzer, who discovered him by accident while scouting another player. Pelzer instantly recognized Duran’s potential to become a Premier League star. “He was a raw talent, but his speed and acceleration were impressive,” Pelzer said. “It was a wow effect.”

After a race to secure his signature following a Guardian article listing Duran among the best young talents in world football, Chicago Fire signed him in 2021 as the youngest international signing in MLS history.

During the pandemic, Pelzer and the Fire worked closely with Duran and his family, offering support and training even while he stayed on loan at Envigado. “We trained him weekly on acceleration, technique, finishing, and jumping exercises. His numbers kept improving,” Pelzer said.

Duran’s first season in MLS was a success, with him scoring eight goals in 28 games, making him Chicago’s top scorer.

Move to Aston Villa

Following his impressive form in MLS, Aston Villa stepped in, securing Duran’s signature amid competition from other clubs. “Villa were the ones who shifted up to sixth gear to make the deal happen,” Pelzer said, noting the club’s commitment to signing the young striker.

Now at Villa, Duran’s journey from a raw talent in Colombia to a Premier League sensation continues. Those who know him best believe that with the right guidance, his potential is limitless.