Ollie Watkins has endured an incredible transformation since Unai Emery tookover as manager of Aston Villa.
Watkins has gone from being a goal-shy forward to one of Europe’s best as last season the 28-year-old produced an impressive 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League.
The Englishman’s ability as a clinical goal scorer and creator of chances helped propel Aston Villa to fourth place.
Watkins had an incredible campaign in 2023/24, one he’ll hope to replicate in 2024/25, especially now that the Villans will compete in the Champions League.
Such levels are still being recognised now, with the former Brentford forward seeing his name listed in the PFA Team of the Year, alongside England teammates Kyle Walker, Declan Rice and Phil Foden.
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Declan Rice and others react to Ollie Watkins in the PFA Team of the Year
It was the first time since 2010 that Villa had any representation in the PFA Team of the Year. Back then, it was colossal centre-back Richard Dunne and all-action midfielder James Milner who flew the flag in claret and blue.
Now, after becoming the latest Aston Villa player to be named in the Team of the Year, Watkins has posted a message on Instagram to the fans, writing: “PFA team of the season 🏆 ready for another big year ahead!”
The post prompted a flood of responses, including from England and Arsenal player Rice, who simply said: “unreal mate ❤️.”
Villa’s record-signing Moussa Diaby, who left for Al-Ittihad this summer, also responded: “😍😍😍”. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson posted: “👏🔥”.
Kyle Walker-Peters joined in with the praise for the Villa striker by writing: “Deserved! 👏”.
Ollie Watkins aims at Aston Villa in 2024/25
Villa supporters didn’t see the best of Watkins last time out against West Ham, as the striker was rusty after not playing a single minute in pre-season.
It meant that he often gave the ball away cheaply and didn’t make as many of his piercing runs in behind the Hammers defence.
As a result, he was substituted for Jhon Duran on the hour mark and that proved to be an inspired decision, as the 20-year-old netted the winner late on against the club who tried to sign him this summer.
For Watkins, it was a frustrating evening but for the first few games, he’ll be returning to his optimum match sharpness and then Emery can see the best of him once more.
Last term, it was a freak campaign for the Englishman, who produced an eye-watering 37-goal contributions in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Brighton in a 6-1 hammering.
Now that the dust has settled on his previous season, Watkins will want to achieve similar levels, perhaps break the 20-goal mark in the Premier League and help his side go deep into the Champions League.
