Leeds United were linked with a move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins last summer and has since starred under Unai Emery – with Robin Koch telling Spox the Villa man is one of the hardest strikers he has faced in the Premier League.
Watkins, 27, is on fire at the moment. Having struggled under Steven Gerrard during the first half of the season, only scoring three Premier League goals in his first 18 League games, he has since netted six in his last seven outings.
Given his impressive form, Watkins is more than likely to be picked by Gareth Southgate in England’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers this month. Last summer, there were doubts over his future at Villa – with Danny Ings on board.
CBS Sports said that Leeds were monitoring a move for the £28m Villa signing. Now, there is no chance of Watkins being sold by Villa. Asked for his toughest opponents in the Premier League, Koch named “very dangerous” Watkins.
“Erling Haaland is extraordinary. In the game against us he was very inconspicuous, but scored two goals. He’s one of the best, if not the best, striker in the world right now. Wilfried Zaha and Ollie Watkins are very dangerous,” Koch said.
Robin Koch says Villa star Ollie Watkins one of hardest strikers he’s faced
Watkins has a bit of everything. Power, speed, goals, assists. Quick with the ball at his feet, too. Able to play on the left too, he has that ability to go past a player and in recent games, he has shown in his prowess in the air. A top striker.
The ex-Brentford man has gone through spells of bad form, but in the last couple of months he has shown that he is a player good enough to play for England. Do Leeds have a chance? Absolutely not, unless Villa bring in a big striker.
