Alan Shearer told Premier League Productions (27/02/21 at 7:35 pm) that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was ‘causing some problems’ for Leeds on Saturday.
Dean Smith’s men secured a 1-0 win at Elland Road, with Watkins providing the assist for Anwar El Ghazi’s well-taken finish, but Shearer thinks Leeds were ‘low’ on energy during the game.
It was a tactical masterclass from the Midlands side, as they played a bit more direct and didn’t allow Leeds’ non-stop press to get the better of them.
Whilst those in White were seemingly lacking energy during the game, the Premier League’s highest ever goalscorer thinks there was one player who wasn’t.
“Watkins has been full of energy again as he has done all season,” said Shearer. “He’s causing some problems for them.
“They went after Leeds. They had a game plan. They kicked it long. They then played one and two-touch football in the final third. And they never gave Leeds a chance to settle.
“Leeds were very flat. Low on energy, which was surprising. But you have to say well done to Aston Villa.
“They did a job on them in the first 45. We expected so much more from Leeds in the second half but that never came again. That’s because of how Aston Villa set-up and the way they went about their job.”
It has been some season for Watkins since the 25-year-old’s big-money move to Villa from Brentford in the summer.
Watkins won the battle of the two English strikers at the weekend, as both he and Patrick Bamford will be vying for an England spot.
Both have the goals, energetic style, intelligent play off the ball and ability to defend and press from the front.
But with the abundance of attacking talent in England’s ranks, it may result in both staying at home for the Euros even if their already strong season finishes in a stronger fashion.
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