Pundit Alan Shearer believes that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is ‘not elite’ amid links with a move to boyhood club Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins is a tier down from the elite strikers despite his outstanding form for Aston Villa.
That is the verdict of Premier League legend and current pundit Alan Shearer, who has been speaking The Rest is Football.
Watkins destroyed Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, smashing a hat-trick to help Villa secure a huge 6-1 victory.
Watkins also picked up an assist, setting up Jacob Ramsey’s curling strike before missing out on a fourth goal as Jason Steele saved his effort only for Douglas Luiz to score the rebound.
Alan Shearer delivers Ollie Watkins verdict
That’s four goals and three assists in seven Premier League games this season with Watkins opening the camping in good form.
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has now offered his opinion on Watkins after seeing his display against Brighton.
Shearer noted that he likes Watkins, especially as he is always looking to get in behind defences.
Shearer doesn’t think that Watkins is a ‘great finisher’ though, believing that his technique lets him down in front of goal.
Watkins is not elite according to Shearer, but believes he is the next level down right now.
“I like him, he’s certainly very willing, he’s always going to try and get in behind,” said Shearer. “I don’t think he’s a great finisher, I think sometimes his technique lets him down but he’s always going to get you in between 10 and 20 goals, which, for a Premier League club, that’s exactly what you need and what you want.”
“I don’t think he’s elite but I think he’s certainly in that next level down,” he added.
Watkins to Arsenal in limbo
Watkins scored 15 league goals last season and will now be looking to kick on and improve upon that number this term.
The 27-year-old is now the subject of contract talks with Football Transfers reporting that he wants around £150,000-a-week to stay at Villa Park.
That same report highlighted that Edu has spoken to Watkins’ agent Paolo Vernazza – a former Arsenal player – about a move to North London.
Arsenal have been heavily linked in recent times, with Watkins telling Pro Direct Soccer in 2022 that he was a big Gunners fan growing up.
Watkins would surely love to play for Arsenal but he is settled at Aston Villa and may believe that he is better off staying with the club.
Arsenal are potentially chasing another striker to take them to the next level, but Watkins being highlighted as not an elite forward may leave some questioning whether he is the right man for Mikel Arteta.
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