Pundit thrilled as BBC Sport update emerges on Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins after official contract news
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 is delighted to see Ollie Watkins put pen to paper on a new contract at Aston Villa.
It was confirmed on Friday (6 October) that the 27-year-old striker has penned a “long-term contract” at the West Midlands club.
BBC Sport report that the deal is five years long.
Watkins has scored seven goals in 13 appearances across all competitions for the Villans this season and was also in prolific form for Unai Emery last term.
Hutton claims the ex-Brentford striker is loving life under the Spanish manager and is thrilled to see that he’s committed himself to Villa Park after such lengthy contract talks.
“He’s tied down on a long contract and he was well worth it,” Hutton told Villa News.
“He’s been excellent and he’s been called up to the England squad as well, which he’ll be more than happy about.
“Even if Watkins isn’t scoring, he’s contributing in games. He does that better now than he used to. Maybe when he wasn’t scoring, you wouldn’t see him. But now, if he isn’t he’s added assists to his game, he’s holding the ball up, he’s linking play – he’s added to his game and has become a better player.
“He looks happy where he is and that’s the main thing. If he’s happy where he is playing for Unai Emery and enjoying his football, he’s going to go from strength to strength.
“I’m really happy to see him sign a long-term deal.”
In other Aston Villa news, Louie Barry could be fighting for his future at Villa Park as his latest deal may be terminated early.