Unai Emery lauded Ollie Watkins’ “warrior” mentality as the Aston Villa striker heads to the World Cup on the back of a matchwinning brace at Manchester City.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a roaring end to a season that had started slowly on both an individual and collective level, leading to an England recall having been omitted from March’s meet-up.
Watkins has scored 12 times since that snub, including a pair as Pep Guardiola’s City reign ended with a 2-1 home defeat as Villa wrapped up fourth just days after winning the Europa League.
Thomas Tuchel handed him a World Cup call-up between those victories and Emery believes England have selected a striker at the top of his game.
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“He’s a fighter,” the Villa boss said. “He’s a warrior. How he’s finishing the season is fantastic.
“Even 90 minutes, maybe he was expecting to play less or to rest because Tammy Abraham was sick.
“But how he was being hungry to score more goals, to play more. I think now is his moment.
“I can feel myself so, so proud, how the players responded on the field today.”
Villa's players were in jubilant mood as they reflected on the season, with several key stars joking about their victory at City coming off the back of a party in Istanbul.
NSWE know they will need to add depth to the squad if they are to continue their momentum under Emery next season while competing with the elites in the Champions League, and it seems they are already closing in on their first major signing of the summer.
Aston Villa receive green light to sign Brazilian midfielder
According to reports in Turkey, via Sport Witness, Villa are set for sit down talks to finalise a deal for Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara.
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This comes after all three parties - both clubs and the midfielder himself - approved the transfer, with just the finer details of the fee and personal terms left to sort in the coming days.
The Brazilian is expected to cost in the region of €35m (£30m), having featured 27 times in the Super Lig this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
At his best in a number ten role, the former Norwich City star can also play deeper in midfield and is known for his elite long-range shooting and set-piece abilities.
Aston Villa are keen to add more goals to their already potent attacking ranks and are also eyeing a move for Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after winning the UEFA Europa League Related
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He's one to watch...