Thierry Henry Reveals Aston Villa Star’s Impressive Qualities
Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa star, is receiving high praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities as well as his impressive assists. The 28-year-old forward is currently enjoying a fantastic season with the Villains, having already scored 16 goals in 27 Premier League games. This tally marks his highest goal-scoring record in a top-flight campaign so far.
Not only has Watkins been prolific in the Premier League, but he has also made a significant impact in the Europa Conference League. In his first-ever European campaign, Watkins has managed to find the back of the net five times in six appearances. It is evident that he is making a name for himself on both domestic and continental stages.
While Henry certainly appreciates a goal-scorer, what has truly impressed him about Watkins is his remarkable number of assists. The former Brentford player has provided 10 Premier League assists this season, showcasing his ability to contribute to the success of his teammates. Speaking on Sky Sports, Henry emphasized the importance of players being able to assist as well as score: “We all know that Ollie Watkins can score, but can you add something else to your game? Can you come, lay-off the ball to someone? Not only are you scoring, we all know that you have that in your locker, so that impresses me.”
Watkins’ statistics this season are truly remarkable. He is producing numbers that are rarely seen, with only Harry Kane surpassing him in terms of goal involvements across Europe’s top leagues. Kane has scored 27 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich and provided five assists, giving him a total of 32 goal involvements. Meanwhile, Watkins is not far behind with 26 goal involvements.
It is worth noting that only two players in a 38-game Premier League season have achieved the feat of scoring 15+ goals and providing 15+ assists. Watkins now has the opportunity to join this exclusive club, which includes the likes of Eden Hazard and Thierry Henry himself. Hazard accomplished this feat during the 2018-19 season with Chelsea, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists. Henry’s incredible performance in the 2002-03 season for Arsenal saw him score 24 goals and provide 20 assists.
With Watkins’ impressive performances this season, it is evident that he is not only a goal-scorer but also a player who can create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to assist sets him apart and makes him a valuable asset for Aston Villa. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see if Watkins can indeed join the exclusive club of players who have achieved 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a Premier League season.
In conclusion, Ollie Watkins’ impressive qualities have caught the attention of Thierry Henry, who is not only impressed by his goal-scoring abilities but also by his significant number of assists. Watkins’ goal involvements this season are exceptional, with only Harry Kane surpassing him across Europe’s top leagues. Additionally, Watkins has the opportunity to join an exclusive club of players who have achieved 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a Premier League season. With his skillset, Watkins is undoubtedly a player to watch and a valuable asset for Aston Villa.