Aston Villa are the latest side to break the mold in the Premier League, with Unai Emery’s men en route to finishing in the top four and thus securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
Emery has completely turned things around at Villa Park since he replaced Steven Gerrard in 2022 and star striker Ollie Watkins is one of the main reasons behind the remarkable turnaround.
Watkins has impressed from the very start after joining Villa in 2020 but he has reached new heights this season, with former Reds skipper Roy Keane being the latest to sing his praises.
Speaking after this Sunday’s game between Tottenham and Aston Villa, the former Ireland star suggested that a big move could be on the cards for Watkins, claiming he is good enough to play for Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool.
“He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he?” Keane told Sky Sports, via the Metro. “Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City.
“That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.
“The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him, His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
Manchester United invested heavily in a forward last summer by bringing Rasmus Hojlund to the club and so far, you have to say that it has been a successful pick.
Hojlund has scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances, becoming the youngest player to ever do so. He has missed the last three league games through injury but could still maintain that scoring run if he scores in his next game.
Watkins, 28, is under contract at Villa for an additional four years and if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, it is almost certain that Villa will refuse to let their talisman go.
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