Emi Buendia has revealed the key conversation with Unai Emery that helped change the course of his Aston Villa career after producing his most influential season since arriving at Villa Park.
The Argentine midfielder played a major role in Aston Villa’s successful campaign, helping the club secure Europa League success before preparing to join Argentina for the upcoming World Cup.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for a player whose long-term future at the club had looked uncertain only a year ago.
After returning from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last summer, there had been strong suggestions Buendia could leave permanently. Instead, he stayed and ultimately delivered his strongest campaign in claret and blue.
Emi Buendia explains the key Unai Emery conversation
Buendia revealed that early discussions with Emery became a turning point before the season even started.
The midfielder wanted clarity over his role and made his intentions immediately clear.
“When the transfer window opened, we had a conversation where we discussed what I could contribute to the team.
I made it clear that I wanted to stay and help the club. Emery knows how to get the best out of each player.”— Emi Buendia via AS
The Argentine also explained how individual work and attention to small details became central parts of his development under Emery.
Those comments offer a useful insight into the methods that have consistently followed the Aston Villa manager throughout his coaching career.
Numbers behind Buendia’s Aston Villa revival
Buendia’s influence this season stretched far beyond improved performances alone.
| Stat (2025/26) | Emi Buendia |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 54 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Major trophies won | Europa League |
source: season player data – 27 May 2026
The figures underline the scale of his progress.
Having followed Aston Villa closely throughout the season, Buendia increasingly looked like one of the players benefiting most from Emery’s structured approach. His movement between lines and improved decision-making regularly added creativity and balance to Villa’s attacking play.
From expensive signing to key Aston Villa figure
Buendia arrived from Norwich City in a €38.4m move in 2021 carrying significant expectations.
While he showed flashes of quality, consistency often proved difficult during his earlier seasons at Villa Park and criticism around his contribution grew over time.
The player himself acknowledged the journey while reflecting on the move.
He explained that Aston Villa's long-term project was one of the key reasons behind his decision and expressed satisfaction that many of those ambitions have now become reality.
However, it remains too early to determine whether this season marks a permanent turning point or simply the strongest chapter so far.
Key Points
- Emi Buendia revealed details of a key conversation with Unai Emery
- The midfielder insisted he wanted to remain at Aston Villa
- Buendia produced 11 goals and nine assists this season
- He returned after a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen
- Villa's Europa League success capped his strongest campaign
What's next
Buendia now shifts focus towards international duty with Argentina, while Aston Villa prepare for another season under Emery with heightened expectations.
Villa's challenge moving forward will be maintaining progress while strengthening squad depth, and Buendia's resurgence gives Emery another trusted option within a growing attacking structure.
Has Emi Buendia completed one of Aston Villa's biggest turnarounds under Unai Emery?
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