Ollie Watkins has become one of the most exciting strikers in the Premier League. His speed, movement, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. Over the years, he has transformed from a promising youngster into a goal machine for Aston Villa and a key player for England.
His journey to the top wasn’t easy. Watkins had to work his way up through lower leagues before making a name for himself in England’s top flight. Now, he is among the Premier League’s most consistent goal scorers.
Let’s explore his rise, playing style, and what makes him such a dangerous forward.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ollie Watkins was born on December 30, 1995, in Torquay, England. From a young age, he showed incredible footballing ability. His speed, skill, and goal-scoring instinct made him stand out in youth competitions.
He joined Exeter City’s academy, where he developed his skills. Despite his talent, he didn’t have an easy path to professional football. Watkins had to prove himself at every level before earning a shot at the Premier League.
Breakthrough at Exeter City
Watkins made his senior debut for Exeter City in 2014. However, he had to wait for regular game time. The club sent him on loan to Weston-super-Mare in the National League South, England’s sixth tier.
At first, playing in non-league football was a challenge. But Watkins used the experience to improve his game. He gained physical strength, sharpened his finishing, and learned how to handle tough defenders.
When he returned to Exeter, he finally got his chance. In the 2016-17 season, Watkins exploded onto the scene, scoring 16 goals and winning the EFL Young Player of the Year award. His performances caught the attention of bigger clubs, and he earned a move to Brentford.
Rise at Brentford
In 2017, Brentford signed Watkins for around £1.8 million. It turned out to be a brilliant move.
At first, Watkins played as a winger. His pace and dribbling made him a threat on the flanks. But in 2019, Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, made a bold decision—he converted Watkins into a central striker.
The result? Watkins became one of the most lethal finishers in the Championship. In the 2019-20 season, he scored 26 goals, finishing as the league’s top scorer. His goals helped Brentford reach the Championship Playoff Final, but they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Despite the heartbreak, Watkins had proven himself. Aston Villa saw his potential and signed him for £28 million in 2020.
Premier League Success with Aston Villa
Watkins didn’t take long to adapt to the Premier League. In his first season (2020-21), he scored 14 goals, including a hat-trick against Liverpool. His ability to score against big teams made him a crucial player for Villa.
Each season, Watkins has improved. His work rate, movement, and finishing have made him Aston Villa’s main striker. Under manager Unai Emery, he has taken his game to another level.
By the 2023-24 season, Watkins was one of the top scorers in the league. He consistently delivered goals, assists, and strong performances. His chemistry with Villa’s attacking players made him even more dangerous.
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Playing Style and Strengths
Watkins is not just a goal scorer—he is a complete forward. His skill set makes him one of the most well-rounded strikers in the Premier League.
1. Intelligent Movement
One of Watkins’ greatest strengths is his off-the-ball movement. He times his runs perfectly to get behind defenders. His ability to find space makes him a constant goal threat.
2. Clinical Finishing
Watkins has improved his finishing every year. He can score with both feet, his head, and from difficult angles. He thrives in one-on-one situations and rarely misses clear chances.
3. Speed and Acceleration
Few strikers are as quick as Watkins. His pace allows him to outrun defenders and get into dangerous positions. He is deadly in counter-attacks.
4. Physicality and Strength
Watkins isn’t just fast—he is also strong. He can hold off defenders, protect the ball, and win aerial duels. This makes him effective against physical teams.
5. Link-Up Play
Unlike some strikers, Watkins isn’t selfish. He can drop deep, combine with teammates, and create chances. His hold-up play helps Villa build attacks.
6. Defensive Work Rate
Watkins works hard off the ball. He presses defenders, wins the ball back, and helps his team defensively. His high energy makes him a valuable asset in pressing systems.
England National Team Career
Watkins made his England debut in March 2021, scoring in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino. Since then, he has been in and out of the squad, competing with top strikers like Harry Kane and Ivan Toney.
His consistent performances for Villa have kept him in Gareth Southgate’s plans. With Euro 2024 approaching, Watkins is pushing for a spot in England’s squad.
His versatility, work rate, and goal-scoring ability make him an excellent option for the national team. If he keeps performing, he could become a regular starter for England.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite his success, Watkins still has areas to improve.
1. Finishing Consistency
While he scores plenty of goals, Watkins sometimes misses easy chances. Improving his finishing even further could make him one of Europe’s top strikers.
2. Decision-Making
At times, Watkins takes too many touches or holds onto the ball too long. Quicker decisions in the box could help him score more goals.
3. Big-Game Performances
Watkins performs well against most teams, but he needs to deliver more match-winning moments against the very best. Consistently scoring in big games will take him to another level.
What’s Next for Watkins?
At 28 years old, Watkins is entering his prime. He has already achieved a lot, but there is still more to come.
His main goals include:
- Helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League
- Becoming a regular starter for England
- Scoring 20+ goals in a Premier League season
- Winning a major trophy
With Unai Emery leading Villa, the club is improving every year. Watkins will play a key role in their future success.
Conclusion
Ollie Watkins has worked his way to the top through determination and hard work. From playing in non-league football to becoming Aston Villa’s main striker, his journey has been inspiring.
His speed, finishing, and intelligence make him one of the best forwards in the Premier League. Whether for club or country, he continues to deliver goals and strong performances.
As he enters his peak years, Watkins has the potential to become a Premier League legend. With his skill and mentality, the best is yet to come!
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