David James has claimed on Sky Sports News (18/11, 10:10) that Ollie Watkins will benefit with Steven Gerrard in charge, as the Aston Villa ace was trying ‘too hard’ for Dean Smith.
The Villans hired Gerrard as Smith’s replacement last Thursday after a run of five-straight Premier League defeats. Leaving the Villa Park side 16th, two-points above the drop zone.
Watkins has also only scored twice in the top-flight so far this season in nine games under Smith. Finding the net in defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United last month.
The £75k-a-week striker found the net against Tottenham by sneaking in behind Eric Dier to meet Matt Targett’s cross. Poking the ball past Hugo Lloris from inside the six-yard box.
Watkins also scored against West Ham from 12-yards after Emiliano Buendia picked the 25-year-old out unmarked in the box. Drilling a low shot before Lukasz Fabianski could react.
Watkins tried ‘too hard’ to lead Aston Villa attack under Smith
James believes Watkins’ goal against Tottenham was a stereotypical hit for the Aston Villa striker. But feels the forward tried to do too much extra work to materialise Smith’s plans.
However, with Gerrard in charge, the ex-England goalkeeper feels Watkins can recapture the form from his first Aston Villa season. Netting 14 in 37 Premier League games last term.
“He looks like a guy who is trying a little bit too hard,” James said. “We spoke about Harry Kane and how he said he was going to work harder, and I think Watkins is working hard.
“This is an a-typical goal for him, getting on the end of crosses as opposed to working the goal himself. And from what I’ve seen, there’s a lot of blocked shots, there’s a lot of bodies in the way.
“Stevie G, vintage long-range shooter, will be able to give him some advice on the best opportunities to take a shot, the best opportunities to pass. So, Watkins is another one I think will benefit from Stevie G’s experience.”
Each of Watkins’ 14 goals in the Premier League for Aston Villa last season came within the penalty area. Five of them also came from within the six-yard box, per WhoScored.
His record of scoring close to a third of his goals from close range followed a similar tendency with Brentford before a £28m move to Villa Park. With eight of his 26 goals in the Championship during the 2019/20 season struck from within the six-yard area.
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