Aston Villa have reportedly entered talks with Ollie Watkins over a new contract as he continues to play a decisive role in our resurgence under Unai Emery.
Watkins, 27, has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions so far this season, with nine of those goals and three assists coming in 15 Premier League games under the Spaniard.
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As he continues to set club records and earn deserved accolades with his form, Watkins has also now scored in double figures in the league in each of his three seasons with us, but he certainly appears to have taken his game to a new level since the current Villa boss arrived.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, Villa and Watkins are in talks over a new contract, and it’s suggested that the new terms could put him amongst the top earners at the club.
Beyond the goals, the in-form Villa ace continues to play a fundamental role with his work ethic and defensive contribution as his pressing, pressure and tracking back is the first line of defence for us.
However, he is importantly now starting to show a more ruthless side to his game in front of goal, scoring consistently and in different ways to establish himself as a fundamental figure in Emery’s XI by leading the line so effectively with his improved hold-up play and ability to link things together.
After the decision to sell Danny Ings in January and make Watkins our main man up top, he has relished that responsibility and is thriving, and while we hope he can maintain his current form between now and the end of the season as we chase a European spot, he has shown he’s deserving of a new deal.
While Villa may opt to bolster our attacking options this summer as we add depth and competition, Watkins has shown he can adapt and adjust to Emery’s demands and show tactical understanding and awareness, and so the expectation moving forward is that he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in our ongoing progress and push to be more competitive.
