Ollie Watkins

[Clark W Griswold]

Today is up there with the best performances from a Villa striker, without scoring.

Best striker we’ve had in the last 30 years? Different style to Yorke, but you could make an argument he is better.

Based on this season, he’s the best I’ve seen since I started going in 88, other than Yorke. Might need a couple more seasons at the same standard to better him though.
He was great today, didn’t seem to be getting enough support first 35-40 mins but still did ok. Once we got on the front foot he was unplayable.

[Somniloquism]

His pass to Diaby was exquisite.

[PeterWithesShin]

It's hard to compare, Yorke was fantastic. What Benteke did in shit sides was amazing. Ollie is up there with them. He's also proof of just how important the manager and coaches are. 18 months ago many thought he wasn't good enough and was Championship standard. Look at him now, I don't think i'd swap him for anyone.

[Dave]

Today is up there with the best performances from a Villa striker, without scoring.

Best striker we’ve had in the last 30 years? Different style to Yorke, but you could make an argument he is better.

Based on this season, he’s the best I’ve seen since I started going in 88, other than Yorke. Might need a couple more seasons at the same standard to better him though.
He was great today, didn’t seem to be getting enough support first 35-40 mins but still did ok. Once we got on the front foot he was unplayable.

I reckon Benteke at his best for us was still better than Watkins at his best for us.

It's just that we saw the best of Benteke probably 40% of the time, whereas for the last eighteen months we've seen Watkins at his best 85% of the time.

[Kevin Dawson]

I thought his second half performance was exceptional. 40-odd games, and he never, ever stops running.

[Somniloquism]

He was shit against Watkins anyway, but the 27 pulling back on Watkins in our own half two minutes after getting his first booking....., should have been a second and off no matter it lead to a goal.

[Toronto Villa]

I’d take Benteke over all of them. Watkins as magnificent as he has been couldn’t score half the goals Benteke could. They are just different types of players too. Benteke in this side is just a very scary thought. But Ollie fits in perfectly for what he has asked to do and how he involves so many other players.

[Somniloquism]

I’d take Benteke over all of them. Watkins as magnificent as he has been couldn’t score half the goals Benteke could. They are just different types of players too. Benteke in this side is just a very scary thought. But Ollie fits in perfectly for what he has asked to do and how he involves so many other players.

However we have had multiple examples that Benteke when surrounded by better players (and in later seasons when he wasn't) was not the same player he was for us. Whether that is down to his injury when with us, or just that he thought he had now "made it", or just had one of those seasons is up for debate. 

[Olneythelonely]

Watkins’ best is miles better than Benteke’s best, for me.

[Toronto Villa]

Watkins’ best is miles better than Benteke’s best, for me.

Take a look back at a sample of Benteke goals. The runs, the acrobatic finishes, the headers, the long range goals. He was fucking magnificent.

[not3bad]

Two fantastic assists from Ollie today. On a day like today it's weird to see him being compared to another player and found wanting. I was a big fan of Benteke but I don't see how he could have done better on a day like today.

[andyh]

Watkins was unplayable today. A masterclass in forward play.
And he was livid he didn’t score !!

[manic-road]

outstanding today, looked out on his feet at the end and not surprised with the effort he put in.

[N'ZMAV]

unreal play today - he's an outstanding footballer now.

[Risso]

Benteke was physically stronger, but I’d say Watkins is quicker. I enjoy watching Watkins more overall because he’s the cherry on top of a lovely footballing cake. As good as Benteke he was, he was like glitter on a steaming dog turd of a team.