Aston Villa are very blessed to have one of the top strikers in the Premier League on their books after yet another top showing from Ollie Watkins on Saturday.
Is there anything this man can’t do? At the rate he is going, there is a serious debate to be had about him being the PFA Player of the Year.
Unai Emery watched his team leave it late to beat Luton Town 3-2, with Ollie Watkins scoring his side’s first two goals.
Steve McManaman stated that the £28 million star was ‘the most dangerous player on the pitch’, as he told Premier League Productions (02/03/24 at 6:30 pm).
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger thinks Luton manager Rob Edwards would have been going ‘crazy’ at how his team conceded those goals.
But he still praised Aston Villa’s star number nine, and midfielder Douglas Luiz, for the roles they played.
Ollie Watkins’ opening goal came from a corner, whilst the Champions League-chasing side played a quick free-kick for the second.
Ollie Watkins scores again for Aston Villa
“When you are playing teams challenging for arguably the title and certainly the Champions League in Aston Villa, then they are too good and they pick you off,” said McManaman.
“They have a great centre-forward, who is in really good form, who is absolutely tearing them to shreds.
On Watkins’ first goal: “That goal will drive him (Rob Edwards) crazy. It drives me crazy and I’m not associated with either team, but the centre-forward, arguably the most dangerous player on the whole pitch, has a free header just outside the six-yard box.
On Watkins’ second: “This is another one. The defending is awful, it was an incredible pass, a lovely touch and a great finish by Ollie Watkins. He is a good yard onside. Look at this touch, one touch, doesn’t move, doesn’t change his stride and bends it into the corner. A beautiful goal from Aston Villa, but particularly from Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins, who are in excellent form.”
Ollie Watkins is up there with the Premier League’s best
No player has been involved in more Premier League goals (26) than Watkins this season, who scored goals number 15 and 16 for the campaign at Luton, on top of his 10 assists.
Good luck trying to stop him because he is eating everything up and playing the best football of his life.
One of the most important players for the team, if he manages to remain fit, then there is no reason why we don’t secure Champions League football in May.
And also the small matter of the Europa Conference League. It’s a tough trip to Ajax up next, but we should win this competition outright.
