Ollie Watkins: Aston Villa’s Unsung Star

Image Credit: Nick Potts / PA (PA Wire)

BIRMINGHAM, U.K. - His performances in the Premier League might have gone under the radar, but Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is quietly having a decent season. 

So far this season, Watkins has scored five goals in nine games, averaging 0.59 goals per 90 minutes. Now compared to many of the big-name Premier League players, especially the likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, his goal-scoring numbers look pretty average. 

However, it is in his creativity and goal creation numbers where Watkins begins to stand out. Watkins has five assists to his name, which makes him tied for the second highest number of assists in the Premier League. Then, in terms of goal creating actions, Watkins has 11, which is tied for the highest in the Premier League and Europe's top five leagues. For goal creating actions per 90 minutes, Watkins ranks second in the Premier League and fourth in Europe’s top five leagues. 

All of these numbers show a duality to Watkins’ playing style this season. Watkins has never before provided more than six assists in a domestic league season, but he looks set to accomplish just that this season. He is quickly forming a deadly attack with Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.