Signed from Brentford for a club record fee, Aston Villa were seen to be taking a big risk on Ollie Watkins. Despite his physical and technical quality, he was seen as a striker who might struggle to make that next step up into the Premier League. After a debut season that has gone well enough to earn an England call-up, it would be pretty safe to assume that Watkins is now well and truly part of the first-team starting line-up at Villa.
So much so that he could already be on the move in the summer.
What makes Ollie Watkins worth watching?
Most strikers who work as hard as Watkins and compete so well tend to lack goals. His work off the ball and his desire to get teammates involved often sees him derided as a workhorse who lacks finishing quality. However, this could not be any further from the truth; the striker works hard but is a threat in the air and with both feet.
He is a natural finisher who simply has many other assets to bring to the table, ensuring he offers the work rate and finishing prowess expected of an England striker.
Things to improve for Ollie Watkins
Where he could improve would be making better decisions on the break. Villa are a primarily counter attacking team, and Watkins has a habit of straying offside on the break. Several notable attacks have broken down at key moments because Watkins has been too keen to get in behind. Despite having natural pace and power, he often tends to go a little too early.
Therefore, a change in his timing of his runs would almost guarantee that Watkins could become an asset for almost any team in England. His rate of improvement is incredible, and shows no signs of slowing down.