Ollie Watkins exit prediction after what Aston Villa striker told media – ‘He’s kind of right’
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins won’t “push for a move” away from Villa Park this summer, despite his comments following Villa’s draw with Brentford.
The England international scored twice in Unai Emery’s side’s 3-3 draw against the Bees on Saturday (6 April), including a late equaliser to salvage a point and keep Villa’s dream of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
After the full-time whistle, Watkins was quick to suggest that Villa lacked the “big-team mentality” to kill off crucial games as they look to book their place in the top four ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham [BBC Sport, 6 April].
Despite his complaints surrounding his current side’s mental strength, Hutton believes the 28-year-old was caught up in the emotion of the game and has tipped Emery’s team to develop that winning edge over time.
“I don’t think he will push for a move,” Hutton told Villa News.
“After a game like that when you get told you’re doing the press, emotions are still high, you’ve managed to get the goal to equalise and you’ve had a really good game, you just say what is on your mind at that moment in time.
“I think in a way he’s right because people think that Aston Villa have had an amazing season this year, is it one a one-off? Is it not? Can they continue to build on this? Do they need more players?
“Of course, they need a good season to kick on again, but it takes time to have that winning mentality where you genuinely believe you’re a contender week in and week out. It doesn’t happen overnight, it doesn’t happen through one season.
“He’s kind of right in what he’s saying, you need to believe that you can go and compete with these top teams and unfortunately it does take a little bit of time.”
Will Aston Villa sell Ollie Watkins during the summer transfer window?
Watkins’ future, alongside a number of his Villa teammates, has been a major subject of discussion leading up to the summer transfer window as there have been suggestions Emery may have to sell one of his biggest starts.
Profit and sustainability concerns at Villa Park mean that the books may need to be balanced to avoid punishment and the England international’s good form has made him one of the most profitable assets in claret and blue.
While his comments following the full-time whistle against Brentford could come across like a player unhappy with his current situation, it instead appear to speak volumes about the striker’s excellent mentality this season.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery has been tipped to consider selling Tim Ioregbunam amid growing transfer interest from Ajax
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