Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins must prove himself at international level after England development
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins will be given an opportunity to prove himself at international level if he starts for England against Brazil, and he must take the chance.
Watkins is expected to start for England, with Gareth Southgate having used him as the main striker in training during Harry Kane’s absence, as he places his faith in him.
However, with challenges from the likes of Ivan Toney for his place in the squad, he must prove he can cut it at international level off the back of his outstanding Premier League season.
Speaking to Sky Sports [22 March] ahead of the international clash, Brazil midfielder and Villa teammate Douglas Luiz shared: “I know the quality he has, I know he’s an extraordinary striker.
“He’s a forward who surprises me a lot with his finishing and also how much he helps us defend.
“For me, he’s one of the best strikers there is at the moment.”
Will Ollie Watkins’ form for Aston Villa be enough for England?
The striker has been one of the standout stars of the Premier League season, and given the level of his performances at Villa Park, he should be a shoo-in for the squad if he can prove his level for England against Brazil.
With 16 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League this season, Watkins already blows his competition out of the water, with Toney, considered the main competitor, having scored four in ten games.
Alongside his fantastic goal record, Watkins’ importance to Unai Emery is on display in every game, as it was against West Ham. Despite the result, the striker had two attempts on goal and pulled off one key pass as he looked to find the winner for his side. [Sofascore]
His hard work off the ball was displayed by his 100 per cent ground duel success rate and ability to draw fouls which provided his team with some respite as they struggled to take control of the game.
The 1-1 draw with West Ham was a showcase of his ability while his side was struggling, but Watkins also thrives in a dominant performance. The 5-0 victory against Sheffield United saw arguably his best performance of the season with two assists and a goal.
A 100 per cent aerial duel success rate, seven ground duels attempted, two key passes, two shots on target and even a clearance off the line show what a variation of skills he can bring to the team.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England are able to dominate games, whilst maintaining the ability to switch to being defensively solid depending on the situation and the level of their opponent.
Watkins’ ability to thrive in both systems, as shown by the stats and what Luiz told Sky Sports, should set him up perfectly if he is needed to fill in for Kane, or even as a substitute.
If he can take his chance against Brazil and prove to the boss that he provides a reliable backup when needed, there is no reason he shouldn’t go to Germany with the squad – despite doubts elsewhere.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa face a battle to keep hold of Leon Bailey after what he said.
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