Alan Hutton: Aston Villa must keep hold of Ollie Watkins this summer
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton insists Aston Villa must keep hold of Ollie Watkins this summer despite speculation growing over the England international’s future at Villa Park.
CBS journalist Ben Jacobs suggested (via GIVEMESPORT, 21 August) that Leeds United would take the 26-year-old in a heartbeat should he be allowed to leave Villa Park.
However, Hutton feels that the club shouldn’t be looking to cash in on Watkins at the moment.
“Not for me [letting Watkins leave], I really like him,” Hutton told Villa News.
“I know there’s been a lot of chat about whether he can play with Danny Ings up front.
“Gerrard has a lot of attacking threats but why would you let someone like that leave the club when he gives you so much, not just in terms of goals, but assists as well.
“There were rumours of a potential bust-up between Watkins and the manager because he was left out of the first game of the season.
“You don’t let a player like Watkins leave unless you bring somebody in as it would leave them a little bit light up top.
“Keinan Davis has gone out on loan as well so I don’t understand letting Watkins leave, especially to a potential rival.”
The 26-year-old has been Villa’s most effective attacker so far in the 2022/23 season with one goal and two assists in three matches.
Watkins got his first goal of the season in Villa’s 3-1 away defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday (20 August).
Steven Gerrard will be hoping for Watkins to continue his good form as his side welcome West Ham United to Villa Park in their fourth Premier League fixture of the season next Sunday (28 August).
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton believes Kortney Hause should leave the club.