Ollie Watkins has been an emblem of consistency for his club, hitting double digit Premier League goals in his five full seasons for Aston Villa. He is more than made for this level, but the preseason should make his life a lot easier as he reflected on a period that has "set foundations" for the season.
‘It’s massive to play these games’
The Villans returned from their tour of the USA to an intense schedule. They put four past **AS Roma**at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall before trekking to face **Marseille**and **Villarreal**over the weekend.
Mason Greenwood got a goal and an assist as the **Ligue 1**club beat Villa 3-1. But they bounced back to defeat an old side of Unai Emery with two unanswered goals, one of which came from Watkins.
“Over in Nashville, against Roma and Marseille there have been some good tests for us. The last game here tonight has been positive, so that stands us in good stead for the weekend.”
The test of adapting to new training conditions has been a welcome experience for the striker.
“It was a really good game. There are obviously different conditions for us out here, really hot but enjoyable. I really enjoyed the game and it’s been a good pre-season for us.”
Last year, Watkins would fire **England**into the final of EURO 2024, with the winner against the Netherlands. But he struggled for fitness after the end of the tournament, and by the end of the year, he had to watch super sub Jhon Duran start as the central forward in his place. Marcus Rashford fought for his position in the second half of the season, as rumours grew about an exit from the club.
But whatever truth there was in the talk of a transfer to Man United, he has knuckled down. The striker scored against Eintracht Frankfurt, St. Louis City, Nashville SC, and AS Roma before netting against the Spanish side. These five goals give him confidence he can hit the ground running.
“Pre-season is crucial as a player. It sets the foundations for you going into the season. Last season I didn’t have that. I didn’t play in any pre-season games so I was trying to play catch-up. For me, it’s massive to play these games, feel good, get your confidence and go into the season all guns blazing.”
He will have to be at his best to help Villa get off to a good start in their first match of the season.
The Villans host Newcastle United just after midday on Saturday. The Toon have also felt the force of PSR, but are coming off the back of a historic campaign in which they pipped their opponents to fifth place in the table and also won the Carabao Cup final, earning their first domestic title since 1955.
The 29-year-old is looking forward to being back in front of the fans at the stadium he calls home.
“I’m just looking forward to being back at Villa Park as we haven’t played any pre-season games there. It’ll be nice to be playing in front of a full Villa Park again - I’ve missed that feeling. We have all got big targets for the season and it starts against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.”