Aston Villa's goalkeeper Emi Martinez believes his teammate Ollie Watkins deserves to win Premier League player of the season for his impressive performance leading the charge for the team. Watkins' 19th league goal secured a 2-0 win against Arsenal, boosting Villa's chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Martinez praises Watkins' 19 goals and 10 assists, stating that he should be considered for the award despite not playing for a "big six" club.
Aston Villa's Martinez Champions Watkins for Premier League Player of the Season
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has heaped praise on his teammate Ollie Watkins, calling for him to be recognized as the Premier League player of the season. Watkins' exceptional performances have played a pivotal role in Villa's quest for Champions League qualification.
Watkins' 19th league goal, scored against Arsenal on Saturday, propelled Villa to a 2-0 victory, solidifying their position in the top half of the table. Martinez hailed Watkins' contributions, which also include 10 assists, emphasizing that his performance should merit the highest accolade despite not playing for a traditional "big six" club.
"Ollie Watkins should be in the running for the player of the season," Martinez said. "He's got 19 goals and 10 assists. He's leading the line for us, and he's doing it for a team that's not in the top six."
Watkins' rise to prominence has been a remarkable journey. After starting his career in non-league football, he joined Brentford in 2018 and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League in 2020. Villa signed him the following year, and he has since become a key player for the Birmingham-based club.
Top 5 FAQs on Ollie Watkins and Aston Villa:
Ollie Watkins is a 26-year-old English striker who plays for Aston Villa. He began his career in non-league football and rose through the ranks to become a Premier League player.
Watkins has been in sensational form this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists in the Premier League. He is currently joint-fifth in the Golden Boot race.
Martinez feels that Watkins' exceptional goal contributions should be recognized, despite the fact that Villa are not part of the traditional "big six" clubs.
Villa are currently ninth in the Premier League, eight points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place. They still have a mathematical chance of securing a top-four finish, but it would require a significant swing in form.
In addition to Watkins, key players for Villa this season include goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, captain Tyrone Mings, playmaker Philippe Coutinho, and winger Leon Bailey.
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