Ollie Watkins says he’ll push forward next season, but first he wants a shot at the Euros. Aston Villa’s striker described his return as a ‘breakthrough’ as he helped propel Unai Emery’s men toward Champions League qualification. Watkins netted 19 goals in the Premier League and was awarded ‘Playmaker of the Year’ for his 13 assists. However, he fell just short of becoming Villa’s first striker since Peter Withe, during the club’s 1981 First Division title-winning season, to break the 20-goal barrier. Watkins believes he can surpass this milestone next season, and he’s also hoping to spend part of his summer with the Three Lions.
He said, “It was disappointing to end such a great season on such a low note at Crystal Palace. But we have been tremendous all season—very consistent—and we finished where we deserved, with Champions League football coming to Villa Park. Next year will be very special. What happened at Palace was poor—individually and collectively—but this doesn’t tell the story of our season. We’ve been great all year. On a personal note, I’ve been consistent. There’s not much more I can do. The aim was to get to 20 goals, but there’s always next season. Has it been a breakthrough? Yes. But I wasn’t surprised by how well I’ve done because of all the hard work I’ve put in. And next season will be better, I’m sure of that.”
Watkins, 28, is one of Harry Kane’s backup players and has spent the last three years in and around Gareth Southgate’s team. Watkins has the same number of goals scored as Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth, but his assist total puts him in the lead to travel to Germany the following month. He stated, “It is difficult to ignore the noise that is created once you score goals and things go your way. To compete in the Euros is my goal. English strikers are few in the Premier League. I’m optimistic since there are plenty of wingers but not enough center-forwards. That’s what I’ve been putting a lot of effort into. We will need to wait and observe.
By addressing questions about his prospects next season, the forward did not indicate that he had eyes for anything other than his future at Villa. Speculation has already started that he is a target for Manchester United. However, having agreed to a new five-year deal only this season and with Champions League football on the agenda, he will be expensive to pry away from boss Unai Emery’s clutches. Watkins says he expects more teams to be contenders next term. “A lot of teams are competing,” he added. “People say Chelsea have had a bad year, but I don’t think they have. They’ll be even stronger. The new manager at Crystal Palace has fired them up. Tottenham is up there. We know next season will be difficult, and we must be ready.”
