Aston Villa are preparing to face Bayern Munich tonight at Villa Park in the UEFA Champions League, and the Villans will be desperate to show they can hang with the big boys when they take on the six-time winners.
After opening their Champions League campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Young Boys in Switzerland, Unai Emery’s side wants a positive result against Bayern. One player key to those hopes is striker Ollie Watkins.
The England international had struggled in the first few games of the season but caught fire during the Everton game, bagging a brace. He provided an assist in the Young Boys game and had a goal chalked off.
Watkins also found the back of the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers before recording a goal and an assist over the weekend during the Ipswich Town clash.
Former Crystal Palace chairman and talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan believes Watkins is a top player, although he has reservations about whether he can play for a Premier League giant.
“I like him,” Jordan said (via talkSPORT). “He’s a good player. I don’t think he’s a top top player. I don’t think he’s the sort of player that Manchester City or even Liverpool might sign, but I think he’s done a great job while he’s been at Aston Villa.”
While Simon Jordan may question Watkins’ suitability for a Premier League giant like Man City or Liverpool, he’s undeniably a key figure in Aston Villa’s resurgence. He is the perfect fit for their exciting project under Unai Emery.
His achievements last season and recent form show his ability to lead the line effectively in domestic and European competitions.
Watkins’ partnership with Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran has proven to be a potent attacking force, and his work rate and defensive contributions have been invaluable to the team. Since signing for £33 million years ago, he is now worth £54 million according to Transfermarkt.
As Aston Villa continue to strive for success, Watkins’ development and continued performances will be crucial in determining their future trajectory.
The clash against Bayern Munich tonight presents a unique opportunity for Villa to showcase their progress on the European stage. With Watkins spearheading their attack, they have a real chance of causing an upset and making a statement to the football world.
