Introduction
Ollie Watkins’ sensational winner against the Netherlands last night has prompted me to talk about him. Scoring a crucial goal and playing a pivotal role in England’s victory, Watkins showcased why he is one of the most complete forwards in the Premier League. This blog delves into Watkins’ strengths and tactical nuances, explaining why he has been so successful at Aston Villa and how he has become a key player for them.
Early Career and Rise
Ollie Watkins began his professional journey at Exeter City, where his potential was clear from an early age. He spent a season on loan at Weston-super-mare, but his eventual performances for Exeter earned him a move to Brentford in 2017, where he truly began to shine. Under the guidance of Thomas Frank, Watkins transitioned from a winger to a central striker, a move that saw him score 26 goals in the 2019–2020 Championship season. This prolific form earned him a £28 million move to Aston Villa in September 2020.
Physical and Technical Strengths
1. Pace and Movement:
Watkins’ exceptional pace allows him to stretch defenses and make incisive runs in behind, creating space for his teammates and providing a constant outlet for direct balls over the top. His movement is one of his biggest strengths, constantly finding himself in goal-scoring positions.
2. Finishing Ability:
As we saw against the Netherlands, Watkins is a clinical finisher.He is adept at scoring with both feet and his head. His composure in front of goal and ability to find the net from various positions make him a versatile threat. Whether it’s a powerful strike from outside the box or a deft touch in the six-yard area, Watkins has shown he can score all types of goals.
3. Aerial Prowess:
Standing at 5'11" (180 cm), Watkins isn’t the tallest striker, but his timing and leap allow him to compete effectively in aerial duels. His headed goals, such as his winner at Brentford earlier in the season, demonstrate his ability to outmuscle defenders and score from set-pieces.
4. Work Ethic:
One of Watkins’ most admirable traits is his relentless work ethic. He presses defenders aggressively, often leading Aston Villa’s high press. His stamina and willingness to chase lost causes make him a defender’s nightmare and a crucial component of Villa’s defensive strategy from the front.
Tactical Analysis
1. Versatility in Attack:
Watkins’ background as a winger means he is comfortable drifting wide, which allows Villa to be fluid in their attacking patterns. This versatility means he can play in various attacking roles, providing manager Unai Emery with tactical flexibility.
2. Link-up Play:
Watkins is now not just a goal-scorer; his ability to link up play is vital for Aston Villa, something he has significantly improved in the last season, earning himself 13 assists in the league, more than anyone. He often drops deep to receive the ball, bringing midfielders into play and allowing Villa to transition smoothly from defense to attack. His intelligent movement creates passing lanes and opens up space for teammates.
3. Pressing and Defensive Contribution:
In modern football, forwards are expected to contribute defensively, and Watkins excels in this regard. His pressing triggers Villa’s defensive actions high up the pitch, often forcing opponents into mistakes. His energy and tactical understanding make him a key part of Villa’s defensive structure.
4. Intelligent Positioning:
Watkins has an innate ability to find pockets of space in the opposition’s defense. His positioning is a result of his excellent spatial awareness and understanding of the game. This allows him to exploit defensive weaknesses and get into goal-scoring positions consistently.
Recent Performances and Impact
1. Heroics Against the Netherlands:
Watkins’ performance in England’s recent victory over the Netherlands epitomized his abilities. His crucial goal and overall influence on the game demonstrated his importance to the national team. Despite the pressure of international competition, Watkins remained composed and effective, a testament to his growth as a player.
2. Goal-Scoring Record:
Watkins has consistently been Villa’s primary goal threat. In the 2023–2024 season, he scored 27 goals in all competition, demonstrating his continued growth and consistency in front of goal. His ability to score in various situations, including set-pieces, adds to his versatility.
3. Influence on Team Dynamics:
Watkins’ presence has transformed Aston Villa’s attacking dynamics. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has allowed Villa to adopt a more fluid and dynamic attacking approach. Leon Bailey have benefited from Watkins’ intelligent play.
4. Leadership and Mentality:
Now an experience player in the Premier League, Watkins has shown leadership qualities on the pitch. His determination and professional attitude set an example for younger players. His rise from lower league football to the Premier League is an inspiring story, underscoring the value of hard work and perseverance.
5. Adaptability Under Unai Emery:
Since Unai Emery’s appointment, Watkins has improved dramatically anf has adapted his game to fit the manager’s tactical vision. Emery’s emphasis on structured pressing and quick transitions has allowed Watkins to utilize his pace and work rate effectively. This adaptability has seen Watkins not only maintain but improve his performance levels.
Conclusion:
Ollie Watkins’ success at Aston Villa is a combination of his physical and technical attributes, tactical intelligence, and sheer hard work. His versatility, pressing ability, and goal-scoring prowess make him an invaluable asset for Villa. As he continues to develop under Unai Emery’s guidance, there is little doubt that Watkins will remain a key figure for Aston Villa and potentially earn further recognition on the international stage with England.
His journey from Exeter City to Premier League stardom is not just a testament to his talent but also a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers. Watkins embodies the modern striker’s role perfectly, blending traditional goal-scoring instincts with the demands of contemporary football. For Aston Villa, he is more than just a striker; he is a cornerstone of their ambitions and a symbol of their resurgence in English football.
As long as Watkins keeps playing like this, he will continue to be in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts and perhaps be a transfer target for many big teams. His improvement has been one of the biggest success stories of 2023–24 so far, and as a Villa fan, I am so pleased he is getting the plaudits and recognition he deserves.
