Aston Villa are starting to fly once more in the Premier League after a mini-blip and they have Ollie Watkins a lot to thank for.
In his last two Premier League away games, the 28-year-old has netted four times and it has proven to be the difference in the team securing maximum points at Fulham and Luton Town.
That’s just a glimpse of the season Ollie Watkins is having and the Aston Villa hitman was lauded on American TV by host Rebecca Lowe.
The English-born presenter stated that the £28 million signing is her Player of the Season, as she told NBC Sports.
He is the only player to have more than ten goals and assists in the Premier League this season, with 26 goal involvements in total.
Those performances have resulted in Ollie Watkins getting praise from the best of the best because Thierry Henry was sure to give him his flowers.
But these performances from the in-form striker aren’t just getting recognition at home, but also across the pond.
Ollie Watkins – Player of the Season
“You said I don’t think Ollie Watkins is sexy (to be Player of the Year),” said Lowe. “I said it is sexy.
“I think what Ollie Watkins has done this season is incredible, both as a goalscorer and a creator of goals. More than ten in both categories and the only player to have done that.
“What I love the most about him is how he has come through the leagues. Playing for Exeter City down in League Two.
“Now look at him. Probably, definitely, surely going to the Euros with England and being the number two to Harry Kane by being the leading English goalscorer. I think he has had an amazing season, you can’t help but love him as a character. He’s super low maintenance, super low key and yet produces every week.
“So, for me, so far, the Player of the Season is Ollie Watkins. Phil Foden is pushing him close, though.”
Ollie Watkins’ creative side shouldn’t be a surprise
Just like Harry Kane, when Watkins was coming up as a youngster he played as a number ten and out wide.
Under Dean Smith in the Championship at Brentford, he would be deployed on the left flank, whilst Neal Maupay would play that central role.
But that’s when he transitioned into a number nine, and since then, he hasn’t looked back.
That creative brain has always been active, and alongside his goalscoring touch, he is now one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Only two players since 1992 have scored 15+ and assisted 15+ in the same 38-game season – Thierry Henry and Eden Hazard – and with five more assists needed before the season draws out, there is every chance Watkins joins the elite of elite.
