Dublin: Villa need to “keep Ollie Watkins for as long as possible!”
Ollie Watkins is “one of the best in the business” and Aston Villa need to “keep him for as long as possible” according to former Villa star Dion Dublin.
Speaking exclusively to OLBG.com, the record-breaking centre-forward says Villa can’t afford to let him go and they need to “keep him for as long as possible” and says Villa have a great chance of a top 5 finish. He’s also tipped Villa to beat Crystal Palace in the FA cup semi-finals on Saturday (26th April).
Aston Villa are now 5/2 for a top 5 finish and Champions League football next season – How do you rate their chances of doing that?
“I think Aston Villa have got a great chance. They will bounce back from defeat against Manchester City, I really do. They’ve created loads of chances and have got good players.
“Unai Emery won’t win it, but he’s got a great chance of being up there for manager of the year, turning Villa around into this unbelievable force and creating a bit of a fortress at Villa Park.
“So yeah, think they’ve got a great chance. They’ll turn it around and put like two or three wins together now. I think they are that good, and they’ve got a great squad.
“I mean, look at their bench the other day. It’s just crazy, their bench, you’ve got first teamers on there that you could play in the first team for any other Premier League side. So yeah, I believe they’ll make the top five.”
Villa play Crystal Palace on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final – what are your thoughts and score predictions for the game?
“Palace have got some really good players. Adam Wharton has been brilliant this season alongside Will Hughes, the two of them just dovetailing lovely, one goes, one stays, one goes 10, one goes 8 and they seem to work really well together.
“They’ve both got a bit of grit, they’ve got a great passing range and composure, so the midfield is strong. Obviously, we know about Eberechi Eze and how good he is and what he can create and Jean-Philippe Mateta, he’s a big old unit, isn’t he, who just scores goals.
“That said, I think if Villa’s A game turns up and Palace’s A game turns up, I think Villa’s A game is better. I’m at the game myself, I’m doing it for Five Live and I believe that Villa will get the win and go through.”
Aston Villa are 3/1 on OLBG.com to win the FA Cup – would you back it?
“Yeah, it’s a tough one isn’t it? I’d love to see Villa win it. I really would love to see Villa win it. For the fans.
“I played in the last FA Cup at the Old Wembley against Chelsea for Villa. I mean it was a hopeless game. We were hopeless, they were hopeless, they nicked it off a dodgy goal and think Roberto Di Matteo scored the only goal back in 2000. He was my neighbour at the time in Leamington Spa. He rubbed it in slightly, don’t you worry about that.
“It’s something the fans deserve. They’ve got so close so many times, so I’ll back Villa on Saturday to win against Crystal Palace.”
Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from Villa – what are your thoughts on that?
“Keep him, don’t let him go. Keep him, he’s too good! One of the best in the business. Keep him. I can’t say any more than that.
“Ollie’s got better with age, he’s got more mature, his runs are better, he’s stronger. His link up play is good. I find it hard to fault him. He could’ve had a hat trick at the weekend with his hitting the crossbar and his header hitting the post.
“I don’t think you can afford to let Ollie go because in order to replace Ollie, you’ll be looking for another player like Ollie. It sounds stupid, but that’s going to cost you a hundred million. Keep Ollie Watkins for as long as possible.”
We’ve spoken about how strong Villa’s squad is looking at the moment. Do you think there are any areas they need to strengthen in the summer? And if so, are there any names they should be looking at?
“I’m pretty sure that Unai Emery knows where he wants to strengthen. From the outside looking in, I like their squad, and I can’t find a huge weakness at the moment.
“They have some big old units at centre-half that can play the game as well. They look pretty solid at the back. The keeper’s great. Matty Cash has done well this season, which has been great, he gets forward, causes a lot of havoc.
“Ian Maatsen down the left hand side, he scored a good goal at the weekend. The midfield is strong, they’ve got loads of midfield players, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn. I imagine there’s some kids coming through as well.
“So, strengthen, I’m pretty sure that Unai Emery will strengthen. Where? From the outside looking in, I’ve no idea to be honest with you, because they look okay to me.”
Do you think Villa get the respect they deserve in English football history?
“From people inside the bubble of football and people who have been inside the bubble of football like myself and the pundits, yes, they do.
“Villa are well respected, if you speak to ten ex-footballers who have played in the Premier League and played against Villa, they’ll probably say their second favourite ground is Villa Park. Great place to play, the atmosphere is great.
“People just like the football club, the way it looks, the stadium, the pitch, everything about it. The atmosphere at Villa Park is great as well.”
What was your favourite memory in an Aston Villa shirt?
“Wow, six years that was, six years at Villa. Scored on my debut which was great, scored two on my debut.
“This is a bit of an odd one actually, scored two on my debut and then I scored a third at Villa Park against Spurs and the linesman flagged it offside. After the game, the linesman said to me, ‘Dion I might have got that wrong, I’m really sorry’. That’s not helping now, is it?
“Second game, I scored a hat-trick against Southampton. Third game, I scored two against Liverpool and missed a penalty. So that could have been history.
“Could have been three hat-tricks in three games if I’d have been better at penalties and the linesman didn’t make a mistake. Saying that, I think I’m the only person in Premier League history to sign for a football club and score seven goals in their first three games. I’m not sure if anybody’s done that (yet).
“So that sticks with me, I’ve got lots of memories of Villa, but that sticks with me.”
Dion Dublin was talking to OLBG.com
