Jonty Banks

Tue 14 March 2023 8:10, UK

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been in the form of his life under Unai Emery in recent weeks but he still has another gear to click into before reaching his full potential.

After a lean spell in front of goal at the start of the season, including a run of one goal in 11 games, Watkins, 27, has burst into life with six strikes from his last seven outings in the Premier League.

And under Spaniard Emery, who, throughout his illustrious managerial career, has won four Europa League titles as well as a host of riches while in charge of PSG, the English striker can continue to hit new heights and force his way back into contention for the national team under Gareth Southgate.

There are no better hands to guide Watkins right now than Emery, who himself admitted that he is “demanding” with the former Brentford player.

As reported by the Daily Star (Tuesday 14 March, page 46), the Spaniard said: “He [Watkins] is very competitive, practising every day, trying to learn and do more work than the team is demanding.

“He is watching individual videos, working on his movement in the box. He has the spirit to improve, being demanding of himself every day.

“We have to help him in terms of getting the ball into the box. I am being demanding with him.”

Although Watkins has been on fire in recent weeks, including goals against Premier League title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal, there is still room for improvement if the team get the ball to the striker’s feet more often.

Often in games, Watkins can drift out of action, through no fault of his own, as he looks for service in behind the opposition’s back four. This was evident in the 1-1 draw against West Ham on Sunday (12 March), with the Englishman making a total of 17 passes, and the week before making a mere seven passes against Crystal Palace. [WhoScored]

Imagine the scoring spree the 27-year-old could go on if he was brought into the game more often and provided the service he demands.

The fact that Villa’s top scorer this season has recorded 4+ shots on goal in four of his last seven Premier League outings highlights that when he gets the ball, he creates chances.

His defensive work for Aston Villa has also not gone unnoticed, with Watkins renowned for being one of the hardest-working forwards in the league. According to the Opta-powered stats from FBREF, the Englishman is in the 80th percentile of forwards for interceptions (0.28 per 90) over the last 365 days, as well as the 61st percentile for tackles won (0.71 per 90).

With the international break just around the corner, Watkins will be hoping his all-round game that has developed under Emery will be rewarded with selection for Southgate’s upcoming England squad.

In other Aston Villa news, the future of this loanee hangs in the balance as contract talks await.