Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is enjoying a searing season leading the line for the Villans, with the Englishman pulling ahead in one leaderboard after his performance against Fulham.
Aston Villa have a lot to thank Ollie Watkins for this season.
The striker has been at the heart of all things positive at Villa Park, seeing his performances enhanced since the arrival of Unai Emery in October 2022.
Last campaign, the 28-year-old ended the 2022/23 calendar having recorded 21 goal contributions, scoring 15 himself and securing six assists in 37 appearances.
This term, Watkins has already eclipsed his tally of last season with 23 goal contributions having netted 13 and assisted 10 to showcase the growth of his playing style under the manager.
It’s not just for Villa that the England international is impressing, with his numbers this term putting him among some of the most clinical strikers in Europe.
How Ollie Watkins overtook Erling Haaland against Fulham
Against Fulham, Watkins’ brace made him take the lead in the Premier League charts based on away performances.
With 12 goal involvements away from home in the league this term so far, the Englishman overtook the likes of Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland to be the deadliest forward in away fixtures.
The striker’s contributions break down to recording six goals and six assists in only 13 away games for Villa this term, adding another individual accolade to what has been an impressive showing for the Villan.
Earlier in the season, the Englishman also became the first player to reach the 10+ goals and 10+ assists milestone in Europe’s top five leagues, highlighting just how much of a force he has become in Emery’s set-up.
What is next for Ollie Watkins after Fulham display
As singled out by the manager following the result against Fulham, Watkins’ improvement of the playmaking aspects of his game has significantly bolstered his numbers.
Not only is the 28-year-old a reliable source in the front of goal for the Villans but is also a player who can contribute creatively to benefit those around him, giving his game an even more complete feel.
Having overtaken Haaland in the away charts, the England international will be chasing the Norweigan for the Premier League Golden Boot, sitting just three goals behind the Manchester City dynamo.
The improvements to Watkins’ game have not only given the striker greater individual success but have positively impacted Villa as a whole, with Emery having a reliable attacker to lean on in times of need.
