McLeish issues ‘big’ Ollie Watkins verdict after Aston Villa source’s transfer update
Steven Gerrard’s current system at Aston Villa may not be getting the best out of Ollie Watkins.
That’s according to former Villains boss Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a possible departure at Villa Park.
On Wednesday (10 August), Football Insider revealed that Villa are willing to sell Watkins in the final weeks of the window as he has a ‘tense’ relationship with Gerrard.
The England international, 26, was a surprise omission from the Villa starting XI for the team’s 2-0 opening-day Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.
McLeish admits he is a huge fan of the striker.
“These are personal thoughts and personal feelings, I am a big fan of Ollie Watkins,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Ben Wild.
“I like his industry and his speed. If you are playing in a certain manner then, possibly, he is not as effective.
“I have always been a fan of his when he has been at other clubs. He goes in behind people who hold high lines.
“That is really effective. We all have our own opinion, it is ok for me to say that. Steve is the guy who has to get results.”
Watkins has scored 27 goals in 77 matches in all competitions for Villa during his two years at the club.
He joined the club from Brentford in the summer of 2020 after scoring 25 goals in 46 Championship games during the 2019-20 campaign.
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