Just two months ago, Ollie Watkins looked like a player losing momentum at the worst possible time.
Goals had dried up, injuries disrupted his rhythm and his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the March international break raised serious doubts about his World Cup hopes.
Now, the Aston Villa striker is forcing his way back into the conversation in spectacular fashion.
Watkins delivered another statement performance with two goals in Aston Villa F.C.’s thrilling 4-2 win over Liverpool F.C. — a victory that secured Champions League football for Villa next season.
Turning Frustration Into Motivation
Being left out by England appears to have sparked something inside Watkins.
The striker admitted the disappointment gave him “fire in the belly” and pushed him to prove people wrong.
“A lot of people had written me off this season,” Watkins said after the Liverpool win.
Since missing out on the March squad, Watkins has exploded back into form. Nine of his 12 Premier League goals this season have come during that period, while across all competitions he has scored 11 times — even more than Harry Kane in the same stretch.
Unplayable Against Liverpool
Liverpool simply could not cope with Watkins’ movement.
The England striker repeatedly exposed the visitors’ high defensive line, constantly finding space behind the defence and creating chaos every time Villa attacked.
He even had another goal ruled out for offside and looked disappointed not to leave with a hat-trick.
Villa captain John McGinn joked after the match: “I wish he was Scottish!”
McGinn also praised Watkins’ mentality, saying the striker had responded brilliantly after the England disappointment.
England Selection Debate Heating Up
Watkins’ recent form has now reignited debate over England’s attacking options ahead of the World Cup.
While Kane remains the undisputed first-choice striker, Watkins is making a powerful case to become England’s backup forward.
Former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes there should no longer be any debate.
“He’s got to be on the plane,” Hendrie said.
Watkins offers something very different to Kane — pace, relentless pressing and the ability to stretch defences with runs in behind.
Aston Villa Dream Season Continues
Watkins’ revival has perfectly matched Villa’s remarkable season under Unai Emery.
After a difficult start to the campaign, Villa have now secured Champions League qualification and are preparing for a Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul.
Villa are chasing their first major trophy in nearly three decades, and Watkins has become central to those ambitions.
For a player many believed had slipped out of England’s plans, the timing of his resurgence could hardly be better.
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