Aston Villa cult hero Paul Merson has waxed lyrical about Villans striker Ollie Watkins on Sportskeeda.
The 27-year-old has been in outstanding form for Villa over the past couple of months.
Watkins has scored 11 times and provided five assists for Unai Emery’s charges this season.
His efforts have helped Villa in their bid to secure a top-six finish in the Premier League this term.
Watkins was once again on target as Villa secured a last-gasp victory over Leicester City on Tuesday night.
It was his eighth goal from his last 10 Premier League games, also grabbing an assist during that run.
Merson, previewing Villa’s home game with Nottingham Forest, lauded the £75,000-a-week forward.
“Aston Villa have been brilliant this season,” he wrote on Sportskeeda.
“Unai Emery has done a great job since he’s come in.
“They’ve scored in every match under him, and that’s some going.
“Aston Villa’s turnaround has been unbelievable and they have every chance of making it to Europe.
“I like what Ollie Watkins has been doing.
“He’s concentrating on making his runs inside now and getting his goals.
“He used to work hard for the team before, but his team wasn’t winning.
“And all the fingers were pointed at him because they weren’t scoring goals.”
Merson backed Villa to get a 3-0 win over Steve Cooper’s relegation-battling Reds.
Our view
Credit to Watkins for putting so much hard work in to turn his form around over the past few months.
Credit also to Emery and his team for getting the £28million striker well and truly firing on all cylinders.
Now, both parties are reaping the benefits.
The Villans are heading in the right direction and a top-half finish is now a very realistic ambition.
Indeed, Villa could potentially even push for a European finish if things go their way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
