Aston Villa manager Unai Emery issues a stern and audacious warning to Premier League competitors: ‘Prepare for the imminent arrival of the best version of Ollie Watkins.’
During the latest edition of Between The Lines on TNT Sports, Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, shared insights into his tenure at the club and showered praise on the prolific striker Ollie Watkins. The 28-year-old has solidified his status as one of the premier forwards in the country, contributing crucial goals to Villa’s pursuit of a top-four finish. Emery is optimistic that there is untapped potential in Watkins and the entire team.
Emery, in a stern warning to other Premier League contenders, emphasized that Ollie Watkins is yet to showcase his peak performance. Watkins, enjoying a stellar season with 19 goals across all competitions, has been instrumental in Villa’s top-four aspirations and their journey in the UEFA Conference League, where they face Ajax in a highly anticipated last-16 clash, airing live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watkins’ goal-scoring proficiency has been evident throughout his career, notably tallying 26 goals in the 2019/20 Championship season with Brentford. Despite Brentford narrowly missing promotion, Watkins secured a move to Villa and seamlessly adapted to the higher quality and intensity of the Premier League, scoring 16 goals in his debut campaign.
Transitioning into the Premier League is a daunting challenge for many players, but Watkins has consistently delivered double-digit goal tallies in each of his four top-flight seasons. His impressive form earned him a spot in the England national team, highlighting his growth and adaptability to different facets of the game.
Notably, Watkins has expanded his skill set beyond goal-scoring, incorporating assists into his play. This versatility underscores his ability to contribute holistically as the focal point of Villa’s dynamic and potent attacking strategy under Emery’s guidance. The manager’s positive outlook on Watkins suggests that fans can anticipate further evolution from the talented striker.
