It’s now been six games since Ollie Watkins’ last goal and his tally for the season still stands at just one goal, so is it time to be concerned?
That’s a far cry from the last few seasons. Watkins has broken double figures in all five Premier League campaigns he’s been involved in so far, but it’ll take some doing to reach those levels again this term.
In fairness, it’s largely indicative of where Aston Villa are this season, with Unai Emery’s side struggling to find consistency in the league.
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There’s optimism that Watkins can find his shooting boots again soon, with a Europa League clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight and Bournemouth coming up at the weekend.
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Ian Wright looks on as a pundit for ITV during the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City
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Ian Wright discusses Ollie Watkins issues
Some have said it’s a lack of service causing issues for Watkins, while Wayne Rooney criticised the way Emery is using Watkins this season.
Now, on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Ian Wright has discussed Watkins’ struggles, what the issue might be, and how he can fix it.
Wright said: “No, I’ve not gone off him, but he just seems to have got… I just feel like he was somebody that was ready to blast, and the finishes that you sometimes see him miss, and I’ve mentioned it before, you think those are the chances that you take.
“They can take you again to that place where you think, ‘I just need that one chance when I’m going to score even if I only get half chances.’”
Obviously, when a legendary striker like Ian Wright is analysing your problems in front of goal, it’s important to pay attention. By the sounds of it, Wright believes Watkins needs to find a little more composure, get that next goal, and then the rest will fall into place.
Wright has previously criticised Watkins for not doing enough to take his game to the next level. Now, he needs to get back to basics.
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Is Ollie Watkins still in England contention?
He may have been England’s hero at Euro 2024 with that last-gasp winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands, but right now, Ollie Watkins is probably right down the pecking order for strikers in Thomas Tuchel’s eyes.
Harry Kane is obviously the main man. But there has long been a debate as to who is his deputy. Watkins was that man last year, but at the moment, Danny Welbeck has staked his claim for England with his brilliant goalscoring exploits this season for Brighton.
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If you compare the two players right now, there’s no competition. Welbeck’s six league goals this term put him head and shoulders above the competition, and Watkins will have a real fight on his hands to get back into Tuchel’s good books come next summer ahead of the World Cup.