Ollie Watkins

[LeonW]

The only alternative is that he is playing injured and then you have to ask why.
The problem is that his game is so much based on the physical aspects of forward play because of his lack of touch and subtlety. A lot of forwards adopt their play when they lose a bit of pace, Watkins does not have that option.
It is sad to see.

Yes, playing with an injury is the only possible alternative. But he’s been looking off it for a good while. It’s those little things like the yard to get his head onto things. There have been a litany of those this season where his timing and jump are off. It happens to every player and must be very frustrating. And I agree that I think so much of Watkins game is based on the physical aspects of the game. Unfortunately, he is not compensating with other aspects such as his use of the ball and hold up play which have been very inconsistent this season. What I think we’re also starting to see is his team mates choosing other options because there may be a lack of trust in his play. Just my opinion. But when you see the dynamism of Malen when he’s on, it’s night and day.

[Smirker]

If he scores I bet he does that shit celebration and runs round with his fingers in his ears as if it cancels the last 18 months of abysmal form.

You really don't think that's inventing a scenario to criticise him 15 mins before kick off?

No it was a light hearted prediction, except for maybe in the mind of someone who refuses to accept any negativity toward Watkins whatsoever.

For the avoidance of doubt, mate, I think what's happening is that people are interpreting your posting as enjoyment of Ollie's poor form. This doesn't sit right and so people are defending him from what, at times, appears to be something of a personal vendetta.

Obviously you're free to post what and where you like, but I doubt anybody is happy with his goalscoring record of late, and I reckon if you weren't such a regular poster on this thread, there would actually be a lot more people calling him out on it.

Appreciate it Rory.

[rob_bridge]

The only alternative is that he is playing injured and then you have to ask why.
The problem is that his game is so much based on the physical aspects of forward play because of his lack of touch and subtlety. A lot of forwards adopt their play when they lose a bit of pace, Watkins does not have that option.
It is sad to see.

Yes, playing with an injury is the only possible alternative. But he’s been looking off it for a good while. It’s those little things like the yard to get his head onto things. There have been a litany of those this season where his timing and jump are off. It happens to every player and must be very frustrating. And I agree that I think so much of Watkins game is based on the physical aspects of the game. Unfortunately, he is not compensating with other aspects such as his use of the ball and hold up play which have been very inconsistent this season. What I think we’re also starting to see is his team mates choosing other options because there may be a lack of trust in his play. Just my opinion. But when you see the dynamism of Malen when he’s on, it’s night and day.

He's had and is having a poor run. He was superb v Cit-eh (they all were) and gave Dias and Stones the runaround. The goal v Fulham was sublime. Other than that not a good return at all this season.

If he is going to play v Wolves then play Malen v YB would be my suggestion. If he is thinking Malen v Wolves then do the other..

[brontebilly]

The only alternative is that he is playing injured and then you have to ask why.
The problem is that his game is so much based on the physical aspects of forward play because of his lack of touch and subtlety. A lot of forwards adopt their play when they lose a bit of pace, Watkins does not have that option.
It is sad to see.

Yes, playing with an injury is the only possible alternative. But he’s been looking off it for a good while. It’s those little things like the yard to get his head onto things. There have been a litany of those this season where his timing and jump are off. It happens to every player and must be very frustrating. And I agree that I think so much of Watkins game is based on the physical aspects of the game. Unfortunately, he is not compensating with other aspects such as his use of the ball and hold up play which have been very inconsistent this season. What I think we’re also starting to see is his team mates choosing other options because there may be a lack of trust in his play. Just my opinion. But when you see the dynamism of Malen when he’s on, it’s night and day.

He's had and is having a poor run. He was superb v Cit-eh (they all were) and gave Dias and Stones the runaround. The goal v Fulham was sublime. Other than that not a good return at all this season.

If he is going to play v Wolves then play Malen v YB would be my suggestion. If he is thinking Malen v Wolves then do the other..

Two up top I think for Wolves. McGinn right and Rogers left. Buendia off the bench.