Aston Villa have now been told that not many other players could match the standard of one of Unai Emery’s stars after the Villans’ comprehensive win over Bournemouth.
Aston Villa are on cloud nine after coming from a goal behind to beat Bournemouth at Villa Park on Sunday, building on their dramatic Europa Conference League quarter-final win just 72 hours prior.
Unai Emery’s side are on the right path to end the 2023/24 calendar on a high, with the opportunity to collect European silverware and claim a spot in next season’s Champions League in their reach.
It was a remarkable display from the Villans to turn the game against Bournemouth around in the Premier League, given that most of Emery’s XI had played a significant part in Villa’s 120-minute duel with Lille just three days before.
Goals from Morgan Rogers, Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey sealed a vital three points for the Midlands club, who ensured the points remained in Birmingham to extend their lead in the top-four race to six.
While Villa’s goalscorers earned high praise, one player has been waxed lyrical about, as Ollie Watkins put on a man-of-the-match display against the Cherries.
Aston Villa told Ollie Watkins was ‘unplayable’ against Bournemouth
The Englishman turned from scorer to creator at Villa Park on Sunday, claiming two assists to take hold of the playmaking chart in the Premier League, as well as taking his tally up to 12 for the league season.
For his overall quality in play and the two moments of magic that saw him set up Diaby and Bailey’s goals, the 28-year-old has been the subject of celebration, with journalist John Townley describing the striker as ‘unplayable’.
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Speaking on the Claret and Blue podcast, Townley shared his opinion of Watkins hitting levels that ‘not many’ others could do in world football right now.
“There are honestly not many strikers that I think could do what he’s doing right now.
“Watkins was always a good Premier League striker but to get to this level and to get to it so quickly as well is a massive credit to him.
“Fantastic performance, he was completely unplayable.”
Where does Ollie Watkins rank in Europe after Bournemouth display?
Townley’s remarks are accurate, as with his two-goal contributions against the Cherries, Watkins took his contribution tally in the Premier League to 31 this season, more than any player.
Cole Palmer is second in his goal contributions in the league, with 29, followed by Mohamed Salah with 26, telling of the calibre the Villa talisman is operating at this campaign.
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In fact, only Harry Kane has more goal contributions in Europe’s top-five leagues than Watkins, with the Bayern Munich dynamo hitting an eye-watering 43 goals and assists so far in the Bundesliga.
As highlighted by Townley, it’s truly remarkable to consider just how much Watkins has improved this season at Villa, turning into a complete forward by adding playmaking elements into his game that not many in the world are showing right now.
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