Watkins faces Aston Villa ‘audition that could shape his future at Villa Park’
Ollie Watkins is playing to dictate how his future might pan out at Aston Villa during Jhon Duran’s suspension, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Villa News, has explained how Watkins is now “auditioning” to Unai Emery to prove he should be restored as the long-term centre-forward at Villa Park, despite Duran’s form until his controversial dismissal at Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Watkins claimed a goal and an assist against Brighton on 30 December, before missing a golden chance against Leicester City five days later; Villa now host West Ham United in the FA Cup third round on Friday night (10 January).
“Ollie Watkins knows his place has been under threat, and the ban for Jhon Duran – even though I personally didn’t agree with the red card decision – is giving Watkins another audition,” Darke said.
“He’s now trying to prove to Emery that he’s the man for the future; it’s a fantastic problem for the club to have two quality operators, and it could shape the future for both Watkins and Duran at Villa.”
Watkins aiming to remain in Aston Villa side after Duran returns
It has become a very intriguing forward battle which has sparked extensive debate throughout the season, with Unai Emery’s system only realistically able to fit one of Watkins or Duran at Aston Villa.
The Villans were beginning to play Duran from the start at Watkins’ expense until his sending-off at Newcastle, and now during his ban the England striker is looking to re-establish his place in the side.
Duran has scored 13 goals for club and country so far this season with one assist; Watkins has nine goals, but seven assists to his name for both the Villans and the Three Lions.
In other Aston Villa news, a senior defender is edging towards a mid-season exit from Villa Park.
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