Ollie Watkins

[aj2k77]

If we win a trophy this season then Watkins, Mings, McGinn and Martinez will go down as Villa greats. Not just good players but great servants and winners at the club. I really really want that.

[Brazilian Villain]

Could you imagine Maatsen coming out after the game and talking like that?

I don't know, I can't speak Dutch.

[caster troy]

I do think after Southampton Ollie should have started against PSG, I can see why he is so angry. But it wasn’t great watching that interview to be honest, he could have been a bit more diplomatic and less critical of a manager who has done wonders for his career. It does feel like he will leave in the summer which would be a real shame.

[dave shelley]

I have it on a Villa video somewhere where Ron Saunders was saying that 17/18 year old Gordon Cowans was banging on his door every day wanting to know why he wasn't playing, Ollie is only doing the same thing just at the other end of the age scale.

[PeterWithesShin]

At the age Ollie is now Gabby didn't look like he gave the slightest shit if he ever even played again. I'll take the attitude of the one that wants to be in every game possible and isn't happy when they aren't.

[badminton]

I don't have any issue with him wanting to play every game, of course he does and you want that to be the case.

However, the fact that he thinks because of his contributions over previous seasons he deserves to start against PSG, despite not being in the best current form is deluded.

The manager picks a team based on who he thinks will give the club the best chance of winning the game not who has done what in previous seasons. Mings probably wasn't too happy about not starting the games against PSG, but the guy clearly has a greater sense of team ethos and self-awareness to know not to come out after a game and say because he played in the championship playoff final he should play against PSG.

[eamonn]

"Gets on my chebs" is a great expression.

[PaulWinch again]

I don't have any issue with him wanting to play every game, of course he does and you want that to be the case.

However, the fact that he thinks because of his contributions over previous seasons he deserves to start against PSG, despite not being in the best current form is deluded.

The manager picks a team based on who he thinks will give the club the best chance of winning the game not who has done what in previous seasons. Mings probably wasn't too happy about not starting the games against PSG, but the guy clearly has a greater sense of team ethos and self-awareness to know not to come out after a game and say because he played in the championship playoff final he should play against PSG.

I think it’s an entirely natural thing for him to think.

[rob_bridge]

At the age Ollie is now Gabby didn't look like he gave the slightest shit if he ever even played again. I'll take the attitude of the one that wants to be in every game possible and isn't happy when they aren't.

Quite - Gabby took 10 years to get to his number. Ollie has done it (hopefully) in under 5 seasons.

[Mellin]

What I love about Watkins is that whenever the mind starts to wander to alternatives, he reminds you how fucking indispensable he can be. Two VITAL performances against Southampton and Newcastle.

Understand his frustration about PSG too. Redknapp had it right. His reaction has been exemplary.

[ChicagoLion]

He was excellent today.

[colin69]

Ollie was as diplomatic as possible in the interview. Clearly he wants to play as much as possible and let’s be fair he has a point. I’m sure it’s annoying having a loan player starting in front of you, although at least he was in the CL squad unlike Malen.

[The Moose]

Win us the FA Cup, Ollie. That'll do.

[London Villan]

In Unai’s defence, the rotation is working a treat.

[AV84]

The PSG games were the biggest game(s) the club has been involved in for decades. I don't think that's an exaggeration. It's 100% understandable that someone who was instrumental in getting us there would be annoyed he didn't start in either leg, especially when we played a loan player, in the "wrong" position instead.

But on the other hand, he hasn't been in great form, even earlier in the season Duran was pushing him to start. The reaction we saw on the pitch today, and against Southampton, is the one that matters though.