Why Aston Villa already have their Ollie Watkins replacement, Rio Ferdinand loves him
Rio Ferdinand has picked out who is set to follow in Ollie Watkins' footsteps at Aston Villa.
The England international has been a true star for the Villans since moving from Brentford in 2020.
He is now the record Premier League scorer in claret and blue after overtaking Gabby Agbonlahor.
That is nothing less than he deserved for several years as a consistent source of goals.
The striker continued that throughout last season as he racked up 26 goals and assists across all competitions.
Watkins' time in B6 could now be coming to an end, but there is no reason to worry, according to Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand backs teenage dream at Aston Villa
There has been so much change in the Midlands this summer so far.
That only looks set to continue with just days remaining until the Premier League opener against Brighton.
It is unclear whether Watkins will feature against the Seagulls after not featuring at all in pre-season.
The door looks to be open for a fresh face to come in and become the star striker at Villa Park.
Ferdinand believes they are already in B6 in the shape of Brian Madjo.
Taking to TikTok on Thursday, the Manchester United legend revealed his belief that the 17-year-old will be the Watkins replacement for Villa.
He said: "It might just be the perfect time for him, Brian Madjo. Has anyone seen this kid? 17 years old, built like a mini-Drogba or Emile Heskey, throwing centre-halves around. Against Paris Saint-Germain, he had three or four great chances and scored the most difficult one.
"The kid's gonna be a problem this year. If you don't know about him, get to know him guys. Brian Madjo will be sitting there, licking his lips, if Watkins leaves Aston Villa."
The six-time Premier League champion has high hopes for the teenager, echoing what the Villa Park faithful want to see.
Is Madjo ready to be a regular for Aston Villa?
There is so many questions surrounding the striker right now.
He came in against PSG and made history as the youngest player to score in the Super Cup.
The ex-Metz youngster showed no respect to the Champions League winners as he took six shots and created two chances in Salzburg.
Madjo also got involved in nine duels and was fouled on one occasion.
That is proof that he can hack it at the top level, as games won't get much more difficult than against the Parisians.
The question will be of Unai Emery and whether he is willing to throw in the 17-year-old in the Premier League.
Ferdinand and the Holte End want to see it, but the final call lies with the Spaniard.
Either way, Madjo could prove to be the dream alternative to Watkins.