Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has named one player who he has struggled to play against in recent times.
The 2023/24 season was memorable for Aston Villa and particularly for Ollie Watkins, who fired the Villans towards a Champions League finish.
Next term, the England international will have the chance to show his quality at the top level of European football as he bids to improve his form of 2023/24.
Watkins will have to eclipse his 40 goal contributions of last campaign if he is to better his tally, something that will undoubtedly be in the player’s sights.
One advantage that the 28-year-old will have is that he won’t have to battle with one player who has caused him a lot of trouble over the years.
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins says Thiago Silva is one of his toughest opponents
Many changes are set to happen ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with the transfer window well underway.
One deal that has already been done will please Watkins, as the Villa striker will no longer have to tussle with Chelsea icon Thiago Silva.
Speaking to England’s media team whilst at Euro 2024, Watkins named the Brazilian as a player he ‘couldn’t get past’ when asked who the ‘most underrated player’ he’s played against was.
“Thiago Silva, even though he’s a big name. Seriously, he’s about 40 but I couldn’t get past him, he knew every move.”
The 39-year-old, who has 714 domestic career appearances to his name, as well as 113 Brazil caps, is not perhaps underrated however, given Silva’s age last season, Watkins’ surprise at his agility is understandable.
Fortunately for the Villa ace, Silva rejoined his boyhood club Fluminense in Brazil this summer, meaning he won’t have to battle him next campaign.
Watkins shouldn’t fear any defender
While Silva seemed to know every trick that Watkins had to offer, by his own admission, the Englishman still managed to get the better of him last term.
When Villa beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in September 2023, Watkins netted the only goal of the game, seeing Silva unable to contain the Villa man.
Given the 28-year-old’s fight both on and off the pitch, it would be assumed that the striker doesn’t fear playing against any defender, with Silva being one of the best over the years in the Premier League.
Now that the formidable Brazilian has returned to his homeland, Watkins will hope for an easier time when playing Chelsea next season.
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