Emi Buendia

[paul_e]

An absolute enigma. Just when you’re 100% convinced he’s not good enough for us, he goes and throws a performance like that. Magnificent.

His lows are so low, but my God when he's at it he's capable of things very few other players are.

Yep, exactly, it's hard to rely on him because he's capable of exactly the performances he put in over these 2 legs, almost like it was 2 different players. Coming off the bench he tends to do more like last night which is why I generally prefer him to do that.

He was superb last night though, if he did 80% of that as his minimum he'd be a top player.

[Dave]

Also given our recent history, we shouldn't underestimate popping away a penalty under that much pressure with the ease that he did.

[RamboandBruno]

An absolute enigma. Just when you’re 100% convinced he’s not good enough for us, he goes and throws a performance like that. Magnificent.

His lows are so low, but my God when he's at it he's capable of things very few other players are.

Exactly. When he’s shit my God he’s shit. But nights like last night, chest puffed out, little skillfull warrior, massive heart on that lad.

[Mellin]

I was starting to feel a bit if doubt creep in, but that has been fully consigned to the bin. That is one of the most technically adept big game performances I can remember from a Villa player. Might be the best.

[Somniloquism]

Not given as much credit but had a big hand in winning and playing the ball to get the 4th goal routine started.

[LeeB]

The pass to Bogarde was outrageous.

[LeeB]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/07/calm-emiliano-buendia-provides-class-amid-the-cacophony-to-propel-aston-villa-into-final-europa-league

This is a surprisingly lovely bit of writing.

[achilles]

Special mention to him as his energy levels were outstanding, not withstanding his brilliant skill levels, set the tempo for the whole team. Gets the crowd going as well when they see players putting that much effort in the game.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

An absolute enigma. Just when you’re 100% convinced he’s not good enough for us, he goes and throws a performance like that. Magnificent.

His lows are so low, but my God when he's at it he's capable of things very few other players are.

Yep, exactly, it's hard to rely on him because he's capable of exactly the performances he put in over these 2 legs, almost like it was 2 different players. Coming off the bench he tends to do more like last night which is why I generally prefer him to do that.

He was superb last night though, if he did 80% of that as his minimum he'd be a top player.

Backtrackers of the world unite.

[LeeB]

Ha ha, O'Leary was right.

[eamonn]

I've never got the "when he's bad, he's awful" tag, Rogers isn't much use when he gives the ball away 20 times a game and barely tracks back.

I think Emi's size and perceived physical weakness gets people's backs up when he's dispossessed.

He doesn't hog the ball like Morgan as he's not as big or strong but he has the deftest touch in the squad and a clear eye for goal.

He shouldn't be a guaranteed starter but he's shown that he's more than an "off the bench" player too. Plenty of his goals and assists have come in the first half of games this season.

[PeterWithesShin]

Much like Rogers, when not on it they can look quite shit. And that's because they don't stop trying to do what they do so well when they are on it. And when they are on it you get to a major final.

[Small Rodent]

Didn't he provide the nod down to Watkins for the pass for the 4th goal?

[Sexual Ealing]

Much like Rogers, when not on it they can look quite shit. And that's because they don't stop trying to do what they do so well when they are on it. And when they are on it you get to a major final.

Yes.

[PaulWinch again]

I would agree with that - if you’re trying to create and take risk you are always more prone to error.