Wilberth Perea played a role in Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán’s development earlier in his career.
Perea had coached the 20-year-old at Envigado FC’s academy. He’s been speaking to EFE, relayed by Mundo Deportivo, about the new Aston Villa star. The former manager claims it was a challenge for him to manage Durán.
The Colombia international initially started as a winger, before Perea moved him to the No.9 position.
“He played as a winger. But I spoke to the directors so that we could look at the possibility of converting him to a 9 in the penalty area,” he said.
“I was going to give him all the concepts, information, training for this new position and the directors agreed. A comprehensive development plan was designed where the player was given many tools in that new position.
“He had an impressive campaign with Envigado U15, being the top scorer, I also took him to the Antioquia national team and there he had his first callup to Colombian U15s.”
Durán’s growth in Colombia saw MLS side Chicago Fire sign him in January 2021. His fine displays in America convinced Aston Villa to bet on him in January 2023. The frontman has starred for Unai Emery’s side this season, scoring six goals from nine matches.
Perea has now revealed it wasn’t easy to manage him at Envigado’s academy. The former coach is of the belief the South American’s characteristics has in a way played a part in helping him stay at the top.
“He has always been an extroverted person, with a strong temperament. An impressive character and I think that is what helps him sustain himself in this environment,” Perea explained.
“He had no shortage of problems, especially at school. It was crazy. It’s essential in Envigado that the players prepare academically to be able to play and Jhon, at school, sometimes did not go to study, he did not comply with the academic requirements, then the club because of that was not going to provide him with permission to play national tournament or League matches.
“And I would go in and he was never there [in class] He was at home. He lived a few blocks from the school. So, he was over there at his house, listening to music, that reggaeton music they call it. I would arrive furious at his house, and I felt like grabbing him and throwing him out of the window.”
