Thanks to the impending, ludicrous decision to allow managers to take 26-man squads to Euro 2024, the prospect of England leaving behind the Premier League’s most effective attacking player has receded.
UEFA will soon ratify the cop-out for coaches and Gareth Southgate will be able to name three more players than he had originally planned for. That will mean Southgate can take Ollie Watkins AND Ivan Toney to Germany as back-ups to Harry Kane.
Previously, it had been seen as either Watkins or Toney and after their respective performances against Brazil and Belgium, it was widely suggested that the Brentford striker had the edge. Hopefully, we will never know because even a coach as conservative as Southgate can afford to select three conventional striker in a party of 26.
And even though that number of players is farcical, at least it should prevent what would be a grave injustice if Watkins were to miss out. Watkins is so unassuming, he does not get the credit he deserves. In an interview while on England duty back in October, the player himself suggested that might be the case.
“I go under the radar, maybe,” said Watkins. “I’m not talked about enough, profile-wise. A lot of people said to me I need to push my profile … but I’m not really too fussed about that.” Indeed, in terms of profile, Watkins does not enjoy the same publicity as Toney does. The trumpeting of Toney’s return from his long gambling ban was one of the season’s more bizarre times.
Watkins, though, is an operator who just goes about business and what is hugely impressive is the way he is still developing his game at the age of 28. Not only has the Premier League seen a Watkins who is more clinical this season, they have seem one who is more visionary with his passing, more robust in the tackle, more of an aerial presence.
His Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, can take some of the credit but Watkins clearly pushed himself to new heights. Of his 19 Premier League goals, don’t forget, none have come from the penalty spot. Discounting penalties, Watkins is three clear of Erling Haaland and Dominic Solanke. Watkins is on top of the Premier League assist chart, having produced 12, while Haaland has had five assists and Solanke three.
Even if Haaland plays his part in Manchester City winning one or two trophies this season, he is unlikely to again harvest individual awards. His team-mate Phil Foden is the favourite to do that. Foden has certainly put in some seriously eye-catching performances this season but it should be Watkins who is the favourite. Next week sees the deadline for voting in the Football Writers Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award.
And when it comes to voting for these things, the simplest thing to do is to think of a player whose importance to his team is colossal. There are plenty but none are more important to their teams than Watkins is to Villa.
Since its inception in 1947, the FWA award has been won by players from 23 different clubs, Liverpool leading the way, having provided 15 winners. But no Aston Villa player has ever won the award. It would be right and proper for Watkins to change that … and then head off to Germany.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.