Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored against Brentford (credit: Imago)
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored against Brentford (credit: Imago)

Foster wowed by ‘phenomenal’ Watkins after Aston Villa moment v Brentford

Max Wilkins

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at GRV Media and VAVEL; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Exclusive content, statistical analysis, and deep-dive reporting across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Max utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, exclusive reporting and data-driven insight. He provides the intelligence behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Ben Foster has described Ollie Watkins as "phenomenal" after winning a penalty for Aston Villa in the victory against Brentford.

The Villans secured three points for the first time since October on Wednesday night (4 December) with the England international playing a key role.

The 28-year-old grabbed an assist for Morgan Rogers before scoring from the penalty spot to double the home side's lead.

Watkins won the spot kick before taking it, cutting across Ethan Pinnock in a moment which impressed Foster on the Football Fill-In (6 December).

He said: "Ollie Watkins in fairness was phenomenal. He's getting better and better for me as well. Is there anybody better in the Premier League at getting their body across the defender?

"He's so so good when he gets into that position, he gets his body across the defender and then the defender is in trouble."

Ben Foster raves about Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa v Brentford

The striker looked to be back to his best against his former side after scoring just one goal in his previous eight games in all competitions.

This saw him cause problems for the Bees' back line throughout the clash in B6 and was more than deserving of his goal involvements.

This saw him take 33 touches of the ball with 13 of them coming inside the Brentford penalty area, resulting in five shots with 80 per cent on target [FotMob].

It will be frustrating to the Englishman that he missed a big chance and didn't score from open play but there is no doubt it was a much improved performance.

This was shown by his work rate and willingness to help out defensively as the former Exeter City youngster contributed by winning six duels while maintaining a 100 per cent aerial win rate.

Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins [Credit: Imago]

Watkins also made three recoveries and was fouled three times as he continued to work hard for the team throughout the win, even causing problems in the box before Matty Cash scored.

There was plenty to admire about his performance, especially after demands for Jhon Duran to start ahead of the game but it is clear that he can shut out the noise.

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