Harry Redknapp has been around the game long enough to identify talent and he compared Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to a West Ham star after his last-gasp England winner.
Harry Redknapp enjoyed a 52-year career in football as both a player and manager, ending with a final stint at Birmingham City in 2017.
He has experienced almost everything the game has to offer with the exception of England winning a major tournament.
That could be set to change after the Three Lions booked their spot in this Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Aston Villa‘s Ollie Watkins scored the winner for Gareth Southgate‘s side after entering as a late substitute.
His superb turn and finish sent the country into raptures and Redknapp was full of praise for the 28-year-old forward.
Harry Redknapp makes Ollie Watkins comparison
Redknapp has been around the block as a player and manager but one close that remains close to his heart is West Ham after he spent 10 years there as a player and seven as a manager.
After witnessing Watkins’ last-minute winner for England on Wednesday evening, the 77-year-old former manager drew comparisons between the Villa striker and Jarrod Bowen.
Speaking on TalkTV, Redknapp said, “He’s [Watkins] always on the move, he makes great forward runs, stretches defences and he’s willing to play.
“He’s old school, he works and runs – a bit like [Jarrod] Bowen at West Ham, he never stops.
“They’ve come out of non-league football, they’re hungry and want the opportunity. They work and run and give everything. They’ve been fantastic.”
Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa next season
The winning goal against the Netherlands capped off what has been a stellar season for Watkins.
He scored 24 goals across all competitions for Villa last season and now has the opportunity to elevate his game to a new level in the Champions League.
READ MORE: ‘Great’ Aston Villa player hailed by Italy and Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini
Unai Emery has made him a key part of his plans at Villa Park and Watkins will be expected to match his output from last season.
His goal on Wednesday night felt like a pivotal moment in his career and he can now work on returning to Villa’s pre-season plans as not only an England hero but a potential European Championship winner.
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