Unai Emery explains why he never doubted Aston Villa star would recover top form

The Argentine playmaker was among those players expected to depart in the summer with Leeds, who Villa face in the Premier League on Sunday, reported to be among his suitors.

But he ultimately stayed after talks with Emery and has rewarded his manager’s faith by scoring three goals in his last five Premier League appearances.

Emery said: “When we decided to keep him here and he decided to stay here as well, I was confident to get the numbers he is achieving.”

Buendia, the club’s one-time £38million record signing, spent the second half of the season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen as he struggled to rediscover form following a year out with a serious knee injury.

The Bundesliga club chose not to trigger an option to buy the 28-year-old and the decision has ultimately worked in Villa’s favour.

Emery said: “He struggled last year and all the season, firstly with us for six months, not getting his performance and not playing consistently and not feeling really good. 

“When he was on loan in Germany, with Bayer Leverkusen, he didn't achieve his confidence. He didn't achieve minutes. He didn't achieve numbers to recover himself.

"This year is completely different. He started so focused. He started the pre-season very demanding, getting fit, feeling confident, playing with his skills, showing in each match he played. 

“He deserved it, because he worked hard to recover his best form as a player like he had before he was here.”