Gary Lineker is full of praise for one Aston Villa player after watching his performances this season.
Unai Emery has transformed the Villans, hasn’t he?
Villa were just three points above the relegation zone when the Spaniard was appointed as the new manager. They seemed to be in real trouble.
However, Emery led Villa to a seventh-place finish last season, and he is on the verge of helping the club qualify for the Champions League this time around.
Villa deserve a lot of praise for where they are right now, and one player has played a huge part in their success so far.
Gary Lineker delivers verdict on whether Ollie Watkins deserves to win Player of the Season award
Ollie Watkins is having the season of his life at Aston Villa.
The Englishman has always been a brilliant striker. He has never really fared badly, but since Unai Emery took charge of the club, his game has gone to a whole new level.
In 48 games in all competitions this season, Watkins has scored 26 goals and provided 12 assists so far. He has found the net 19 times in the Premier League – only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have scored more.
However, despite his incredible form, people don’t seem to be talking about Watkins while discussing who will win the Player of the Season award this term.
The three pundits on the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, were asked the exact same question today.
All three of them heaped praise on the Aston Villa forward.
Lineker said: “He should certainly be in the final six, I would say. He’s had an absolutely brilliant season.
“In terms of his goal involvements, he’s up there with the top players right across Europe. He’s consistent, his finishing has improved immeasurably this season. He has to be in contention (to win the Player of the Season award).”
Shearer added: “Ollie Watkins, yeah, has to have a shout, he has to be up there in the top five or six. No doubt about it. He has had an unbelievable season, goals, assists… definitely!”
Richards later added: “Watkins has been sensational!”
Ollie Watkins’ transfer value has shot up
Aston Villa signed Ollie Watkins from Brentford for an initial £28 million with a further £5 million in potential add-ons (BBC).
The 28-year-old has played 164 games for Villa in all competitions and has scored 69 goals and provided 25 assists. 11 of those assists have come this season, which shows a staggering improvement in his game.
Watkins’ incredible form has resulted in his transfer value shooting up.
CIES Football Observatory‘s valuation tool claims that Watkins is now worth £51.2 million, which is higher than the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lucas Paqueta and even former Villa hero Jack Grealish.
We’re sure Aston Villa will not entertain any offers for Watkins this summer, but if they decide to sell him, they will surely make some good money.
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