A source close to the dressing room has named an Aston Villa star as one of the ‘hardest trainers’ at the club.
Aston Villa are the Premier League’s surprise package this season.
Whilst many anticipated them challenging for the top four, few would have predicted them being in the race for the title.
After 17 matches, Unai Emery has led his side to third in the table – five points above fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur – and only one behind leaders Arsenal.
Their start has been magnificent and a victory over strugglers Sheffield United on Friday night can temporarily send them top of the table.
Emery’s side have been incredible across the pitch, with the irrepressible Ollie Watkins spearheading their charge towards the title.
The Englishman has plundered nine goals in 17 top-flight matches this term and has been a crucial component of their success.
Indeed, many have said that an injury to their talisman could be detrimental to their season and that isn’t just because he’s supremely clinical in front of goal.
Ollie Watkins has been named as one of the ‘hardest trainers’ at Aston Villa
Although Watkins is a difference-maker on the field, it’s his hard work and dedication off the pitch that have seen him reap the rewards in front of goal.
In an article from the Athletic, he was described as “one of the hardest trainers” by a source close to the club.
The report states: “Watkins is considered one of Villa’s most conscientious and hardest trainers, described to The Athletic by a source close to the dressing room, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their position, as “working relentlessly with staff to get to these levels”.
Although many see Watkins as a supreme goal scorer, who is capable of conjuring up match-winning moments, it’s his work behind the scenes that has transformed him into a striker who is capable at the highest level.
Emery has been the main man behind his evolution at Villa Park with the 27-year-old now delivering goalscoring numbers over a sustained period.
Since the Spaniard’s first game in charge in November 2022, only Erling Haaland (32) and Mohamed Salah (26) have scored more Premier League goals than Watkins (22).
During this time, he ranks in the top 17% for non-penalty goals across Europe’s top five leagues and that is a testament to the levels that Watkins is producing.
It is safe to say that the £130k-a-week machine has sharpened his cutting edge under Emery and if he can continue his blistering form, Villa will take some stopping.
Therefore, Watkins could be the man to help the Villans achieve a fairytale title-winning campaign.
