The Buendia World Cup dream is gathering real momentum after the Aston Villa playmaker delivered another decisive Premier League moment, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Arsenal to cap his remarkable resurgence this season. Emi Buendía, once expected to be sold last summer, is now openly targeting a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad — and his form is making that ambition increasingly realistic.
Speaking to El Intransigente after Villa’s 2–1 win over the league leaders, Buendía admitted he has been working towards this goal since childhood. His resurgence under Unai Emery has been one of the most unexpected storylines of the campaign, transforming him from a player on the fringes to a match-deciding figure with international ambitions.
Buendía: “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid”
The Argentine made no secret of what selection would mean to him.
“Of course. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. Representing my country, in Argentina, is always the greatest thing that can happen to me. I work every day for it.” — Emi Buendía
Buendía remains grounded, acknowledging that club form is the key pathway.
“But first I have to do things well here at the club. The opportunities will come. I’ll work for it and we’ll see in seven months.” — Emi Buendía
His return to Argentina’s squad during the most recent international break — his first appearance since debuting in 2022 — suggests Lionel Scaloni is watching closely.
A Villa revival nobody predicted
Buendía’s journey this season has been extraordinary. Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen last year and not included in Villa’s long-term plans, he seemed destined for a permanent move away. But after Villa’s pursuit of Marco Asensio collapsed in the summer, Emery handed him a second chance — and Buendía has seized it emphatically.
His late winner against Arsenal was his fifth goal of the season, to go with two assists across 19 appearances and 817 minutes played. Beyond numbers, it was the significance of the moment — ending Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run and keeping Villa within touching distance at the top — that elevated his stock further.
Why the Buendia World Cup dream is realistic
From an analytical standpoint, Buendía offers qualities Argentina may need next summer: intelligent link play, risk-taking creativity, and the ability to produce decisive moments under pressure. His tactical versatility — comfortable wide or central — adds further value to a squad built around fluidity.
Although competition for attacking midfield roles remains fierce, it’s worth questioning whether many Argentine midfielders are currently influencing Premier League matches the way Buendía is. His trajectory is upward at precisely the right time.
Stats Table: Buendia 2025/26 season so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Emi Buendía |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 19 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 817 |
source: Transfermarkt data – 6 December 2025
The numbers show efficiency and impact — not volume. Buendía is producing meaningful contributions in limited minutes, which strengthens his case further.
Emery has unlocked Buendía’s best version
In our view, Buendía is benefitting from a manager who understands his rhythm. Emery asks him to play between the lines, arrive late into space and stay active in transitional moments — roles that maximise his creativity while hiding his weaknesses. Although some fans doubted he’d return to this level, it’s worth highlighting how his defensive output, work rate and decision-making have all noticeably improved.
Argentina’s staff will value this maturity as much as his attacking output.
Key Insights
- Buendia World Cup dream gaining traction after dramatic winner vs Arsenal.
- Villa star has 5 goals and 2 assists in 19 matches this season.
- Not part of Villa’s plans last year, now a key figure in Emery’s project.
- Returned to Argentina’s squad recently after two-year absence.
- Says he works “every day” to make the World Cup squad.
What’s Next
Aston Villa enter a crucial December period where momentum can make or break a title challenge. For Buendía, every match doubles as both a club responsibility and a personal audition for Argentina’s World Cup squad.
👉 Villa fans — if Buendía keeps this level, does he make Argentina’s final 23?
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