Ollie Watkins

[pauliewalnuts]

he's our best centre forward. Whilst we're currently a bottom half team, he's good enough - when we're up towards that top 6, we'll need another striker.

He's our only centre forward. Emery has already said that Duran isn't going to be ready for the Premier League.

I think he will have some cameos though ,  i am quite interested to see how he does as he is a unit and looks quick

Yeah, the problem is, the way we are at the moment, he is literally our only other striker.

[Simon Page]

It's pushing it to suggest three managers have shrugged and said: "He'll do." We haven't been short of a few bob or under a transfer embargo, instead happily shelling out for more than a few minor upgrades and retrogrades (plus some gems) all over the pitch. He's clearly the type of player managers love because he does what they ask of him. Of course, I'd also love him to score more and control every ball with effortless grace. Ditto every player we've ever had. But if the bosses really thought Watkins was a weak link they'd have at least tried to replace him.

[Footy-Vill]

If Ollie averages a goal everyvother game to rest of season he can get 9 more goals and hes had 4 already.
I thinking he'll be hard pushed to get 15+ but anything close and thats a great effort.

[Smithy]

It's pushing it to suggest three managers have shrugged and said: "He'll do." We haven't been short of a few bob or under a transfer embargo, instead happily shelling out for more than a few minor upgrades and retrogrades (plus some gems) all over the pitch. He's clearly the type of player managers love because he does what they ask of him. Of course, I'd also love him to score more and control every ball with effortless grace. Ditto every player we've ever had. But if the bosses really thought Watkins was a weak link they'd have at least tried to replace him.

It's a good point, he often plays as a lone forward, but does the pressing work of two Danny Ings'.  I'm sure that's a delight for managers who expect their teams to press from the front.  I don't think Ollie is EVER going to be a 20-goal a season player, but that's okay. As long as he is contributing to the team play, and getting a few goals and assists along the way, maybe that's enough. There will probably come a point where his chance conversion is going to cost us more than his work rate benefits us, but the only people who can really make that determination are the coaching staff.

[Risso]

If Ollie averages a goal everyvother game to rest of season he can get 9 more goals and hes had 4 already.

He's not going to do that though, I be surprised if he gets to double figures.

[Drummond]

If Ollie averages a goal everyvother game to rest of season he can get 9 more goals and hes had 4 already.

He's not going to do that though, I be surprised if he gets to double figures.

Ah harrrr! Pieces of eight..

[jwarry]

Some interesting comments from Ollie yesterday.  It appears the players now know what they’re have to do!

“Now I have definitely learnt under this manager to stay in my position and believe the opportunities will come and be ready to take those opportunities,” Watkins added. “Before I wanted to always try to get involved and touch the ball. That was my natural instinct to be involved in the game at all times.

“Whereas now I am probably content if I am drifting out of the game for 10-15 minutes because I know if I stay in my position up top it is important for the team and I will get an opportunity. I am holding my position more and waiting for my team-mates to find me rather than be impatient.”

[Footy-Vill]

If Ollie averages a goal everyvother game to rest of season he can get 9 more goals and hes had 4 already.

He's not going to do that though, I be surprised if he gets to double figures.

Well he's always made double figures in his 2 Premier league season so whats the surprise exactly?

Has scored in each of the last three games and is demonstrating consistent goal-scoring ability in this 3 match goal-scoring streak. This season, he has 6 goals. 4 more goals in 16 matches to reach double figures

Record:93 games and 31 goals is a 1 in 3 goal scoring since he's been in Prem

If Watkins does one every three games, he will have scored 11 goals. That would match last season.

If he hits once every two games, his total is 14. That would match 20/21 season.
I think Emery will challenge him to get his Premier league best tally so 15+
Under Emery, OW has a chance for improvement in the goal department. 

[Footy-Vill]

Perhaps then we can say he'll be around his usual 11-14 goals by season's end for him, but it's not out of the question that he can have his best goalscoring season of 15+ goals, which shows how much he has learned under Emery and shown improving goal scoring.

In any case, adding another striker capable of scoring 18+ league goals to the team would be an upgrade that must be coming in. Watkins, on the other hand, has until the end of the season to show what numbers he'll deliver, and if he hits real form and is clinical, he needs to show us all that he can fire 15.  That would be fantastic effort by him and for him and the team.

Imagine if he had taken more of his chances Watkins would be a 20 goal striker no issue. If Emery can get him the composure, movement, and clinical finishing help from the coaches it's possible.
If he's to remain an 11-14 goal striker, then he's chiefly back up or to be deployed as wide forward and not main striker next season.

[manic-road]

Scored in his last three league games now so should be full of confidence, I thought it was a nice finish yesterday.

[Drummond]

Scored in his last three league games now so should be full of confidence, I thought it was a nice finish yesterday.

He's getting back to the form he had a while back, burst through with pace and hit it early. Was chuffed for him again.

[AV82EC]

You get the sense he’s being coached and pushed a bit to think about his game rather than just run about a lot.

[brontebilly]

Scored in his last three league games now so should be full of confidence, I thought it was a nice finish yesterday.

Nice one, just passed it by the keeper. Very unlike Ollie really. Good ball from Luiz too, he is totting up the assists for us.

[LeeB]

Scored in his last three league games now so should be full of confidence, I thought it was a nice finish yesterday.

Nice one, just passed it by the keeper. Very unlike Ollie really. Good ball from Luiz too, he is totting up the assists for us.

Made the space to do with his touch before as well

[Footy-Vill]

You get the sense he’s being coached and pushed a bit to think about his game rather than just run about a lot.

Yes I think thats a great observation and Watkins seems like someone who is willing to learn and follow instructions.
He's great for the team but also is remembering his responsibilities to score.