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Ollie Watkins in danger of losing Aston Villa starting spot
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
With his new-found form for Aston Villa, Jhon Duran gives Ollie Watkins his first genuine competition and is “hot on his tail” for a starting spot, according to Ty Bracey.
Watkins has had a decent – if not prolific – start to the season in the Premier League. His hattrick against Hibernian was the best we’ve seen from the 27-year-old, despite the low level of opposition. Many have expected a bit more from the Englishman.
He has been adept at creating chances, getting assists against Newcastle and Burnley and winning a penalty against Crystal Palace, showing he is still proving his worth to Unai Emery. His game-changing strike against Palace is arguably the Villans’ best and most lethal goal of the season to date.
Bracey hopes that Watkins sees Duran’s emergence as a positive motivator to help boost his form, but warns that the Colombian international is “hot on his tail” to claim that starting spot.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “I’d like to think Watkin sees it as healthy competition because that’s exactly what it is. Everyone should be fighting for their place, no one should be guaranteed to start.
“Ollie hasn’t really had any competition really in the grand scheme of things. He’s been number one up front for some time. That is warranted, but we need to start seeing goals from him.
“The goals are coming from all over the pitch at the moment – which is nice – but I want to see Watkins back on the scoresheet, it’s important for his confidence.
“It’s good to have someone knocking on the door and hot on his tail. I like that that’s starting to happen and Duran’s finding his form.”
In other Aston Villa news, Monchi has made a transfer admission after the Villan’s ‘very complicated’ summer.