Say it quietly, but Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins grew up as an Arsenal fan, with a certain Thierry Henry as his idol.
The last part shouldn’t be a surprise because the ice-cool Invincible was one of the world’s best during his peak years and is now a generational figure.
On Monday night, Thierry Henry provided a brilliant analysis of Ollie Watkins’ game following his brace against Luton Town on Saturday, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (04/03/24 at 6:55 pm).
The World Cup winner compared the Aston Villa star’s headed goal to Didier Drogba, whilst also lauding him for his deft first touch that led to his second strike at Kenilworth Road.
With the 28-year-old opening up his body and then curling the ball into the back of the net, that finish was a trademark Thierry Henry finish.
As of this moment, Ollie Watkins is the only player in double figures in goals and assists – he has 16 Premier League goals, added to his 10 assists.
The creative side of the game is something Thierry Henry also spoke about and how it ‘impresses me’.
Ollie Watkins in the Premier League
“That’s a very Didier Drogba goal-like, boom,” said Henry about Watkins’ header against Luton.
“Again, he is allowed to run in the box. Are you going to let a guy that can head the ball well run in the box like that? Then he will punish you.
On Watkins’ second goal: “And this one, is a tiny bit different. Douglas Luiz knows exactly how he is going to play that ball. What I like is the first touch from Watkins and then trust the curve. The curve will always bring the ball back. What I like here is what he does with his left leg, let the ball bounce and put your leg in a position, then the ball will stay.
On Watkins’ goals and assists this season: “This is something I always mentioned about players. Can you also assist? We all know Ollie Watkins can score.
“But can you add something else to your game? Can you come, can you lay off the ball to someone? Not only scoring, we all know you have that in your locker. That impresses me, the ten assists.”
Ollie Watkins firing Aston Villa to the Champions League
Good luck trying to stop Villa’s flying machine because he is having the time of his life and playing the best football of his career.
Villa fans crave Champions League football and are currently in control to secure that fourth spot.
If Watkins continues in his current ways, then there is no reason why his goals won’t fire us to play against the elite next season.
But fifth-placed Tottenham are lurking in the background, they are five points behind with a game in hand and visit Villa Park on Sunday for a monstrous showdown.
