Roy Keane said on Sunday that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is capable of playing for one of the Premier League’s big boys, including Manchester City.
It has been a tremendous season so far for Watkins, who has dazzled in a terrific season for Villa.
The England international has scored 16 goals in the Premier League, and a further five in cup competitions. He’s also been a provider on many occasions, making 10 assists.
He has taken his game to another level this season under Unai Emery, and there is a very good chance he’ll be on the plane to Germany this summer for the Euros with the England squad.
Watkins was a focus for the punditry team on Sky Sports yesterday – and Roy Keane reckons he could very well play for a top club in England, including Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City…
Roy Keane suggests Ollie Watkins could play for Manchester City and others
Watkins featured for Villa against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.
It was a 4-0 win for Spurs and probably not one of Watkins’ best outings for the Villans.
But ahead of the game, Watkins was analysed by the pundits on Sky Sports – and Roy Keane likes what he sees from the former Brentford man.
He said: “He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he? They (Villa) are a top team, but you’re talking about bigger clubs, Man United, Liverpool obviously City.
“That’s a compliment. Not that he has to leave Villa, but he’s capable of doing it, I think. He looks so shape, he’s got a good shape to him. I think his movement is as good as any other striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
Watkins a top player, but City would never make a move
Watkins has been amazing this season for Villa, and he would probably score a bucketload of goals if he was in Manchester City’s team. Tony Cascarino actually said that Watkins has even had a better season than City’s Phil Foden.
But it’s very hard to see City making a move for Watkins any time soon, even if Villa may be required to sell a big star this summer.
While Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez are both at the club, it’s difficult to see City adding another centre-forward.
Watkins tends to play solely as a central striker, and his lack of versatility isn’t likely to see City come calling. City are also more keen to sign players that are younger, with Watkins now 28 years of age.
Perhaps Keane’s old club United would be more inclined to make a move, as they only really have Rasmus Hojlund as a natural number nine.
