Watkins works his way to success

Watkins works his way to success

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is second on the list of Premier League scorers since the turn of the year with five goals, just one behind Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.

Watkins’ goals have been strikes of thumping clarity; left foot, right foot, header, volley and a penalty smacked home.

Credit for this lies with new manager Unai Emery, but also with Watkins’ work ethic.

He famously stays behind for extra training longer than any other of his teammates, or even the workaholic Spanish manager.

Watkins, 27, had a reputation for overthinking things but says he is now also spending a lot of time on the mental side of his game. “Right now, I feel really clear and comfortable when I got out on the pitch,” he says.

He is also learning invaluable lessons which are showing in his form. “There’s a certain pressure you need to put on yourself to get better but if you haven’t had the best of games, you cannot be too harsh on yourself. Not every day is going to be good day. That’s what Steven Gerard (former Villa manager) said to me.”

It is working out for Watkins, however, as he has experienced more better days than bad ones over the last months.