Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has openly admitted that the current campaign represents the most difficult period of his professional career, prompting him to seek guidance from former Liverpool and England forward Michael Owen.
Struggles and Speculation
Watkins has faced intense speculation about his future over the past two transfer windows, which has coincided with a noticeable dip in form. This loss of form has resulted in him being dropped from the England national team squad, adding pressure to an already challenging season.
A Glimmer of Hope
However, there are signs of a potential turnaround. Watkins has scored three goals in his last two matches, including a crucial brace in Aston Villa's 3-1 Europa League victory over Bologna. This performance has put Villa on the verge of the competition's semi-finals ahead of the second leg at Villa Park.
As he prepares for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, Watkins approaches the game with renewed confidence, partly fueled by his recent conversations with Michael Owen.
Valuable Advice from a Legend
'I speak to Michael Owen quite a bit,' Watkins revealed. 'Someone like him, who has hit levels I've not achieved, knows how I'm thinking and can give advice.'
The striker explained that he initiated contact by sending a message on Instagram, leading to meaningful discussions. Owen's key insight was that Watkins performs at his peak when he plays with an 'angry' demeanor and acts as a 'nuisance' to opponents.
'He feels I'm at my best when I play 'angry' and when I'm a nuisance,' Watkins said. 'He wants me to bring that to the table as much as possible.'
Managerial Support and Personal Reflection
Despite his struggles, Watkins has enjoyed the unwavering support of Villa manager Unai Emery throughout the season. The 30-year-old striker has managed to score 13 goals this term, even during periods where his play has lacked its usual fluency.
In an interview with the BBC, Watkins reflected on the psychological challenges of the season. 'Throughout my career, this season has been the toughest,' he stated. 'I've done so well to get to where I am and I hit a new level scoring goals in Europe. You set that expectation.'
He acknowledged that his profile rose significantly after scoring for England in the Euro 2024 semi-final victory over the Netherlands, which brought increased scrutiny. 'When I scored for England at the Euros there were more eyes on me. This year I haven't been at the level I wanted to and learning to deal with that is hard.'
Looking Forward with Optimism
Watkins remains optimistic about his ability to rediscover his best form. 'Football can always change. You can score three goals in a game and everyone says you're back in form. But this year has been difficult, not being at the level I want to be, even though I always have faith in my ability.'
He concluded with determination: 'I know I can get back to the level I reached in previous seasons.' This combination of expert advice from Owen, managerial backing from Emery, and recent goal-scoring contributions suggests Watkins may be poised for a strong finish to the season as he aims to reignite his World Cup aspirations.
