Ollie Watkins seeks guidance from former England striker Michael Owen as he battles through his most challenging season and strives to secure a spot in the national team for the World Cup.
Consulting a Seasoned Mentor
The Aston Villa forward maintains regular contact with Owen, valuing insights from the ex-Liverpool star who reached peaks Watkins aims to match. Watkins reached out via Instagram for a discussion, where Owen advised him to channel an ‘angry’ playing style and become a constant menace on the pitch.
“Someone like him knows how I’m thinking and can give advice,” Watkins shares. “It’s great to connect with these figures. He believes I’m at my best when I play ‘angry’ and make life difficult for opponents. He urges me to embrace that approach fully.”
Recent Surge in Form
Despite inconsistent fluency, Watkins nets 13 goals this season. He repays manager Unai Emery’s unwavering support with a brace in Villa’s 3-1 victory over Bologna, positioning the team near the Europa League semi-finals before the return leg at Villa Park. Watkins enters Sunday’s Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest with renewed momentum after three goals in his last two outings.
Navigating Career Lows
“This season ranks as the toughest in my career,” Watkins admits. “I’ve elevated my game before, especially scoring in Europe and for England in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. That raised expectations, but I’ve fallen short of my desired level this year.”
He emphasizes resilience: “Football shifts quickly—one strong game can spark talk of a comeback. I retain faith in my abilities and know I can return to prior heights, even as I learn to handle these setbacks.”
