Ollie Watkins is one of England’s brightest talents who has quickly gained prominence with his recent performances for Aston Villa and the English national side. A rapid rise through the leagues from Watkins then helped him establish himself as a key man for the club and country, with his exploits of Euro 2024. This piece goes into his path, present-day form, and one big thing supporters are keen to know about the talented young forward.
Early Life and Career Initiatives
Ollie Watkins was born in Torquay, England on December 30, 1995, and started his footballing journey in the youth academy of Exeter City. Watkins finally made his breakthrough at Exeter in the 2016-17 season, hitting double figures in League Two with an impressive return of 16 goals which alerted other suitors. He left Ireland for Brentford in 2017, enjoying a highly successful spell with the Bees.
He perfected it even more with a versatile across-the-front forward at Brentford. And that he scored 26 goals last season in the Championship in a Brentford team, who made it to the play-off final but fell just short of promotion. The 2019-20 campaign also helped earn him a move to Aston Villa in August 2020, signing with the Villains for what was then a club-record of £28m or so.
Aston Villa’s Talisman
The impact Watkins made at Aston Villa was immediate. His debut Premier League season (2020-21) saw him score 14 league goals in total, one of which came from a memorable hat-trick against Liverpool in a 7-2 win. Good with pace, work ethic, and finishing, he became a favorite with fans around Villa Park for leading from the front.
Watkins became Villa’s most potent attacking weapon during the 2023-24 campaign. That aided them staying in the top half of the Premier League (where else, eh) and seriously pushing for a European finish. The talismanic figure at Villa Park, Watkins’ goal threat, work rate, and his willingness to get in behind opposing defenses have ensured he is pivotal to manager Unai Emery’s tactical framework.
Promising International Career and Heroics in Euro 2024
His club displays in England were rewarded with a call-up to the national team. While his international career started slowly, he established himself as a player with significant goals in World Cup qualifiers. The Euro 2024 team, however, was a watershed moment for him.
But Watkins’ crowning moment was undoubtedly his strike in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. England fell a thrilling 1-0 early on before Harry Kane fired in a penalty for the equalizer. As the match appeared destined to go to extra time, Watkins struck a stunning last-gasp winner in the 90th minute as England secured a 2-1 win and their place in the final against Spain. Watkins kept his composure with Cole Palmer playing a pass into him, with the finish from the Celtic striker calm and clinical.
For England, a country that had endured so much heartache in international competition for decades the goal was an iconic moment. This was not only a display of Watkins’ calmness, though; it also pointed towards the character in this England team that is making them increasingly difficult to beat under Gareth Southgate.
Style of Play and Strengths
The forward is famous for his hard work, versatility, and movement off the ball. He can stretch the game as his speed makes teams wary, and he has an imposing physical presence that allows him to harass balls from aerial duels. He may primarily be a center-forward but he can also operate across the front three, allowing his managers to have plenty of options in terms of how they set up their teams.
Something else valuable from Watkins is his pressing capabilities. He has since fine-tuned this part of his game under Emery at Aston Villa, where he has become an integral part of Villa’s high-pressing system. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, all while scoring goals makes him a complete forward.
In addition, Watkins has bettered his movements in and around the box offering for build-up before peeling off into spaces behind opposition backlines. His all-round game has led to comparison with the likes of modern Premier League strikers Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
Future Prospects
Age is not an issue as the receiver just turned 28. If Watkins’ club form is anything to go by, and considering the increasing role he has in the English national side, then he should be a key player for both Aston Villa and England for many seasons. Villa fans will want Watkins to guide them to European glory, with English supporters excited for him to replicate his Euro 2024 heroics in future tournaments.
There are rumors of serious interest from top Premier League clubs and European giants, but Watkins is only focused on delivering for Aston Villa at that moment in time as well as establishing himself as one of the best forwards in all of England.
Conclusion
Ollie Watkins has come a long way in a career that started in non-league football before becoming of of the standout domestic players for England as well as Aston Villa. The Frenchman has made a great start to life at Euro 2024 and is finally starting to look like he could become one of the game’s elite strikers on a more regular basis. All eyes will be on this up-and-coming star, with fans and pundits kits alike watching to see how he develops.
FAQs About Ollie Watkins
How many goals has Ollie Watkins now scored for Aston Villa
By the time he finished his duties in 2023-24, Watkins had bagged over 40 goals for Aston Villa across all competitions since joining as one of their most consistent strikers throughout that period.
Is Ollie Watkins The Owner Of Major Trophies?
Although Watkins still has to win a major trophy, his strike to put England into the Euro 2024 final was a personal highlight. Villa fans will be desperate for him to fire the team to some silverware in the coming seasons.
Ollie Watkins’s playing style?
Quick and bereft of talent aside from speed, work rate, and finishing ability (3rd-year English student): He is a natural high-press attacker and can operate as a central striker or winger on both flanks, supporting Zygmunt.
What was the first club that Ollie Watkins played for?
After starting with Exeter City, Watkins moved to Brentford and then to Aston Villa.
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