Expert: Ollie Watkins ‘at risk’ at Aston Villa as Unai Emery set to swing the axe
Ollie Watkins may not survive Unai Emery’s Aston Villa rebuild after failing to impress this season.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 27-year-old’s future.
As per WhoScored, Watkins had four shots against Liverpool on Boxing Day but was only able to beat Alisson once.
That was his third Premier League goal of the season in 15 total appearances, 14 of which have been starts.
WIth Villa expected to spend in January as Emery looks to shape his squad, McManus insists Watkins must improve in front of goal or risk being dropped.
“He really has to improve, he certainly missed a few chances against Liverpool,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He hasn’t scored enough goals for Villa. He came from Brentford with a big reputation but it hasn’t happened for him.
“Villa need more goals and I think Emery will be looking to improve that area. I do think Watkins is a decent player but for the money they spent on him, you want more of a return.
“I think they are going to strengthen which puts Watkins at risk. It’s up to him now, he knows he has to improve if he is going to stay there.
“That can sometimes bring the best out of a player. Sometimes they can’t hack it. So we’ll have to see what he does now and if he can stay in that team.
“But it would not be a surprise to me if he drops to the bench after January.”
Watkins has scored 31 goals in 93 games for Villa.
He arrived at the club from Brentford in the summer of 2020.
In other news, Aston Villa told £30million will seal Nicolas Jackson deal after contact made.