Michael Owen regards Aston Villa star as a ‘top player’ following recent form
Michael Owen had high praise for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, following a goalscoring performance against Southampton at the weekend.
Watkins has been one of Villa’s most important players since he signed from Brentford. Indeed, he was the club’s top scorer last season, with 14 Premier League goals, as well as five assists.
Despite a six-game goal drought of late, his form has continued this season. Watkins is Villa’s top scorer, with seven league goals.
The Englishman has scored twice in Villa’s last two games, his first back-to-back goals of the season.
Watkins’ good form of late has gained him admiration from former Premier League talisman Owen.
“Ollie Watkins for me is a top, top player,” he said via Birmingham Mail.
“He came from Brentford and he scored a lot of goals there. But I do like him.”
The forward scored 25 goals for Brentford the season prior to his £30.6million move to Villa. He quickly found his feet, and has been one of the side’s best players during his time at the club.
“I know that Steven Gerrard really likes him as well – Gerrard has had a bit of a mixed bag. Don’t get me wrong, he has a really good start to his managerial career,” Owen added.
Gerrard seems to have struck the right balance at Villa, and Watkins is one player now thriving because of it.
Watkins could make a surprise move
While he has found form in recent weeks, it seems Watkins needs to do more to satisfy Gerrard. In fact, it is reported that Villa will listen to offers for Watkins.
Gerrard reportedly ‘isn’t convinced’ that Watkins can become the top-class striker that he wants at Villa.
There is reportedly pressure on him to start scoring goals.
The back-to-back goals he has scored recently will surely help the forward’s case, though.
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