Ollie Watkins Opens Up on Michael Owen's Pivotal Advice During Challenging Season
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has candidly discussed how former England international Michael Owen is providing crucial support through what he describes as the most difficult campaign of his professional career.
Struggles and a Search for Solutions
The 30-year-old forward has faced inconsistent form this season, scoring only 12 goals in 44 appearances for Villa. Watkins admitted this period has been the hardest he has experienced, impacting his performance levels and confidence on the pitch.
In a recent interview with the Football Interview on the BBC, Watkins reflected on the challenges. "The toughest moment for me, throughout my career, has been this season," he said. "I have not been at the level I wanted to. Learning to deal with that is hard."
A Turning Point with Expert Guidance
Seeking advice to regain his top form, Watkins connected with Michael Owen via social media. Owen, who scored over 260 goals for club and country, including 40 for England, offered a key insight: play angry.
Watkins explained, "We had a chat. He said he feels like when I play angry and am a nuisance, that is when I am at my best. So just try to bring that to the table as much as possible." He acknowledged that he sometimes falls into the trap of being "too nice" on the field, a trait his father also noted when he was younger.
Signs of Revival and Managerial Support
In recent weeks, Watkins has shown promising signs of a comeback, netting four goals in his last five matches. This includes a brace in Villa's 3-1 Europa League victory over Bologna, bringing his career total for the club to 99 goals ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
He also expressed gratitude for Villa manager Unai Emery's unwavering faith during his struggles. "The manager has a lot of faith in me," Watkins said. "There will be times when I have not scored and he will keep picking me because he believes in me and knows, even if I am not bringing goals to the table, I will keep working hard and doing my job."
Looking Ahead with Renewed Confidence
Despite the difficulties, Watkins remains optimistic about returning to his previous high standards. "I always have faith in my ability and I work so hard, I know I can get back to the levels I have achieved in previous seasons," he affirmed.
As Villa's all-time Premier League top scorer, Watkins is on track to lead the club's scoring charts for the sixth consecutive season, highlighting his enduring talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
