Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins must keep up strong form as Andy Gray makes Erling Haaland comparison
Andy Gray has compared Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to Manchester City’s record-breaking forward Erling Haaland as he hit back at those criticising the Norwegian.
This comes after plenty of discussion surrounding Haaland’s performances in recent weeks, as Gray insisted he is still a level above the likes of Watkins.
However, the fact the Aston Villa striker is now in the conversation and being compared to the player who ran Lionel Messi close in a challenge for the Ballon d’Or last year is a sign of how far he has come.
Watkins’ 18 Premier League goals were pitted up against Haaland’s 19 as Gray insisted he is still ahead of the rest, but the performances of the Villa man have earned him this comparison.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS [13 April], Gray was discussing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland with Richard Keys as he shared: “He’s got 19 goals in the league this season and only started 24 games. Are you telling me that’s a player who isn’t contributing?
“Even all these players who are having great seasons, Ollie Watkins is having the season of his life, but he still hasn’t caught him.”
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins earns Erling Haaland comparison
With 18 goals and ten assists in the Premier League this season, Watkins has certainly earned comparisons with some of the league’s best, and who better to be compared to than last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up?
The striker’s performance in the 2-1 Europa Conference League victory against Lille earned him high praise as well, as he continues to display his importance under Unai Emery.
With just a 64 per cent passing accuracy, completing just nine passes all night, while he also recorded a zero per cent duel success rate and dribble success rate on a frustrating night in possession, Watkins still managed to display his importance. [Sofascore]
The striker managed to get five shots off during the game, hitting the target with two while two were blocked and one missed the target, finding the net from a total of 0.64xG as he continued his impressive form in front of goal.
Not only was he impressive when handed opportunities to shoot, but of his nine completed passes on the night, Watkins managed to rack up three key passes and a 100 per cent long pass accuracy as he provided opportunities for his teammates to take advantage.
When compared to a striker who is widely regarded as the best in the Premier League, if not the world, it becomes clear how impressive Watkins truly has been this season, and he must keep up his performances to continue to take part in these conversations.
He is clearly in the form of his life, right now.
In other Aston Villa news, a new contract is on the table for Douglas Luiz.
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