Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins believes he is in the best moment of his career as he prepares to represent England at this summer's World Cup. The 30-year-old has ended the season in exceptional form, helping Villa secure a Europa League medal and Champions League qualification.
Watkins signed off the campaign with a brace in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. His two goals took his tally for the 2025/26 season to 21 in all competitions for Unai Emery's side.
Reflecting on his form, Watkins said: "Yeah, and what better way to do it? After winning a European trophy and getting into the Champions League, obviously getting 21 goals in total for the season, individually I am playing my best football and I'm feeling the best I have felt for a long time. It is amazing."
He added: "I have had really good runs before but I think personally this is the best I've ever been on, scoring a lot of braces. I think I could have scored even more. I think I am in the best moment in my career so far."
The striker's red-hot form in the latter stages of the season contrasts with a slower start, where he scored only once before December. Watkins acknowledged the difficult period: "I think I have scored the most goals out of all the forwards at this back end of the season. I think had I just scored a few more at the start, where could I have been? But everything happens for a reason. I am really proud of myself at how I have turned it around individually because I felt I was in a really low place physically and mentally."
Looking ahead, Watkins is confident about Villa's future regardless of the World Cup outcome. He said: "A couple of seasons ago we finished poorly, losing 5-0 to Crystal Palace after securing Champions League football. This time, that was not the case. It was a real professional performance from the boys. I think we are always striving for more. It only gives us that taste in the mouth to go and win something else and try to push on; not rest here, to keep fighting and achieving more as a team."
