Tony Cascarino has waxed lyrical about Ollie Watkins after he put on yet another strong showing for Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old helped his side to a 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday by opening the scoring and then providing the assist for Leon Bailey’s goal.
Tony Cascarino mentioned how Ollie Watkins is in his Team of the Week ‘nearly every time’ and how he is probably the reason why Aston Villa are sitting fourth in the Premier League table, as he told talkSPORT.
But the former Republic of Ireland international took it a step further and thinks the free-scoring hitman has been the ‘standout player’ this season and would get his nod for the PFA award.
This is proving to be Ollie Watkins’ best season since his £28 million transfer from Brentford in 2020 because he is hitting some serious numbers.
After 26 games, he has 14 goals and 12 assists to his name, with every chance that he breaks the 20-goal barrier in Claret & Blue colours.
For Tony Cascarino, all of this should be rewarded with the top individual prize that is handed out at the end of the season.
Ollie Watkins PFA’s Player of the Season?
“The England squad is an absolute certainty,” said Cascarino. “I don’t even think there is a question on it.
“I looked at my notes and I do a Team of the Week for the Times. Ollie Watkins is in nearly every time. His performances have been extraordinary.
“If you said to be today, who has been your standout player for the PFA award, then I would put Ollie Watkins in there. I think he has been that good for Villa.
“Why are they fourth? A new manager has come in. He has given them a different way of playing, they play a really high line and they are really dangerous. McGinn has played his part and others. Bailey. Diaby. Many others have played their part at Villa.
“But the one outstanding feature has been Ollie Watkins. He has been frighteningly good. His numbers have been great, that’s a reason why Villa are fourth.”
Ollie Watkins guiding Aston Villa to the Champions League
That final Champions League spot has some breathing space, but there is still a long way to go.
Eight points separate ourselves and sixth-placed Manchester United, but Tottenham are five points behind and have a game in hand.
We meet them in a few weeks and this is where players like Watkins become very, very crucial.
If he can cook and showcase his goalscoring might here, then we should be able to secure the three points in a game that will have a huge bearing on who takes that fourth spot.
