Contents
The Case for Watkins Over Foden
Despite Manchester City’s Phil Foden clinching the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Footballer of the Year award, talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino has a different view, singling out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as his personal choice. In a landscape where the top contenders hail from the Premier League’s leading teams, Cascarino’s pick stands out, highlighting Watkins’ exceptional contribution to Villa’s impressive campaign.
Watkins’ Standout Season
While acknowledging the stellar seasons of Foden, Declan Rice, and Rodri, Cascarino has been particularly impressed by Watkins’ performance, which has been pivotal in Villa’s quest for a Champions League spot. Watkins’ 19 goals put him fourth in the Golden Boot race, and his 12 assists make him the top contributor in the league. Cascarino points to Watkins’ consistency, goal-scoring prowess, and the fact that he hasn’t relied on penalties to bolster his impressive tally.
Surpassing Expectations
The former Chelsea striker underscored the surprise factor in Villa’s current positioning, questioning how many would have predicted their run for fourth place at the season’s start. Cascarino attributes Villa’s success to the unity within the team and identifies Watkins as their standout player, whose efforts have propelled the club to the brink of European glory for the first time since 1983.
England’s Calling
Watkins’ remarkable season at Villa Park hasn’t gone unnoticed, with expectations of an England call-up for Euro 2024. His individual brilliance has been a cornerstone of Villa’s success and could soon be rewarded with the chance to represent his country on the international stage this summer.
Villa’s Champions League Dream
With three games remaining, Aston Villa sits comfortably in fourth place, seven points clear of Tottenham. The prospect of Champions League football is within reach, a feat that would cap off a historic season for the club. Watkins’ role in this potential achievement cannot be overstated, as he continues to lead the charge for a team that has exceeded all expectations.
