Ollie Watkins reveal showcases biggest issue Unai Emery faces at Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins is in dreadful form for Aston Villa this season.
Aston Villa remain on course for European football this season, though a somewhat slow start to the campaign was the reason behind several dropped points.
While there were some defensive concerns in that period, a lack of threat going forward was their biggest issue, and that still holds some truth today.
Emi Buendia has found some form under Unai Emery as of late, though the same cannot be said for Watkins, who is one of the worst in the Premier League for a key stat.
Ollie Watkins has hopeless in front of goal
You don’t need stats to have realised this, but Watkins is having his worst season at Aston Villa.
Last season, the Englishman registered 31 goal contributions in 54 games, and based on his performances so far this season, he’s on course for three.
Not only that, but Watkins has missed four big chances in the Premier League this season, which is the 13th worst in the division.
However, the biggest concern is his conversion rate.
So far this campaign, the Englishman has converted just 5.9 per cent of his chances, which is the worst of any striker in the top flight to have played as often as he has.
From the 17 shots he has had, only one of them has found the back of the net, with the striker massively underperforming his xG.
He’s level with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in that regard, who has an identical conversion rate playing for Leeds United.
Creativity isn’t the issue for Aston Villa
With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio no longer at Villa Park, many have looked at the lack of creative options Emery has at his disposal.
However, that really hasn’t been much of an issue.
It is an area the Villans could improve on in January, though their priority simply has to be to sign another striker to take the pressure off Watkins’ shoulders.
Aston Villa have plenty of attacking options, though Watkins is their only recognised striker, showcasing the error they made in the summer window.
Emery will be well aware of how important this will be in January, given that their hopes of Champions League football may lie in their ability to address it.
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