Aston Villa’s Argentine stars will be hoping to make the difference when they face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday. Emiliano Buendia’s creativity could be crucial, while Alejandro Garnacho offers another attacking weapon for Unai Emery

For Unai Emery, motivation has always been central to his success. The Spanish coach has built a reputation for getting the best out of his players, helping him become a five-time Europa League winner.

That same mentality has driven Aston Villa towards the UEFA Super Cup, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain after lifting the Europa League trophy last season.

Villa’s journey to the showpiece has been built around a clear identity, with creativity and attacking instinct at its heart. At the centre of that approach is Agentine playmaker Emiliano Buendia.

The 3-0 victory over Freiburg in last season’s Europa League final in Istanbul cemented Villa’s status among Europe’s elite. However, Emery’s side now face an even bigger test against the reigning European champions PSG.

For Villa, this is not simply another final. It is an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the strongest teams in Europe and demonstrate that their ambitions extend beyond domestic success.

Buendia remains Villa’s creative compass

Buendia enjoyed arguably the best season of his career last year, contributing four goals and six assists in the Europa League.

He played a decisive role in the final against Freiburg, scoring Villa’s second goal before setting up their third as Emery’s side secured the trophy.

His influence extended beyond goals and assists. In the crucial 4-2 victory over Liverpool, which helped Villa secure fourth place in the Premier League, Buendia’s tactical contribution was particularly important despite failing to register a goal or assist.

He has increasingly become the creative heartbeat of Villa’s attack, capable of linking midfield and attack while finding space between the lines.

Emery has previously highlighted the importance of players who can anticipate situations before they develop, and Buendia fits that profile perfectly.

The Argentine naturally moves between the lines and can turn possession into an immediate attacking opportunity. Operating from the right, he can create danger with his right foot while also possessing the ability to cut inside and drive forward on his left.

Buendia was considered for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad by Lionel Scaloni but was ultimately left out on technical grounds. Now refreshed after the summer break, he has another major opportunity to prove his quality on one of European football’s biggest stages.

Garnacho offers another attacking threat

Buendia, however, is not the only Argentine who could trouble PSG.

The arrival of Alejandro Garnacho has added another exciting dimension to Villa’s attack. The young winger possesses the pace and dribbling ability to stretch defences and exploit spaces that open up late in matches.

Having previously played for Manchester United and Chelsea, Garnacho now has the opportunity to work under Emery, a manager renowned for developing players and giving them a clear tactical framework.

Emery’s challenge will be to combine Garnacho’s natural flair with greater tactical discipline. The winger’s explosive acceleration and ability to beat defenders are obvious strengths, but developing his decision-making could make him an even more dangerous player.

His early opportunities at Villa have also hinted at an encouraging understanding with Buendia. Both Argentines share a similar footballing background and a desire to influence major matches, potentially giving Emery another attacking combination to exploit.

Garnacho may still have something to prove before he can be considered a consistently decisive player, but the potential is undeniable.

Garnacho could be Villa’s wildcard

After suffering a facial injury during a friendly in Thailand, Garnacho could begin the Super Cup on the bench.

However, that may not prevent him from playing a significant role.

Against a PSG side that could leave spaces as the game develops, Garnacho’s pace could become particularly valuable. If Villa need an attacking spark in the second half, his ability to run at tired defenders could provide Emery with a major weapon.

The fact that Emery pushed strongly for Garnacho’s arrival shows how highly the manager rates him.

Now, the Argentine has the perfect opportunity to justify that faith.

For Villa, the Super Cup represents another chance to establish themselves among Europe’s leading clubs. And with Buendia’s creativity and Garnacho’s explosiveness available to Emery, the Argentine duo could prove decisive against PSG.