“The Best Example is [Erling] Haaland” – After Hattrick in Aston Villa’s Masterclass, 27YO Star Admits Learning Lessons From Manchester City Icon

There are moments that leave fans and experts in awe of the sheer brilliance on display. Aston Villa, it seems, has mastered the art of such performances, especially when gracing the Villa Park turf. In a masterclass display in their recent match, Aston Villa’s striker Ollie Watkins delivered a performance worth watching. But what makes this victory even more remarkable is the valuable lesson Watkins admits to learning from City’s, Erling Haaland.

Ollie Watkins is in sensational form. While facing Brighton in the Premier League, Watkins single-handedly dismantled the visitors with a sensational hat-trick and guided Aston Villa to a 6-1 victory at Villa Park. Since the beginning of the season, Watkins has scored 4 and assisted 3 goals for Aston Villa.

Watkins praises Erling Haaland for his influence

In the heart of Aston Villa forward’s breathtaking display, there is a valuable lesson that Watkins attributes to one of the Premier League’s brightest stars, Erling Haaland. As reported by Birmingham Live, it seems like the Norwegian has left a mark on the Englishman’s approach to the game.

Speaking after the match, Watkins stated his admiration towards Erling Haaland. “I have learnt a lot in a short space of time,” Watkins confessed after his astounding hat-trick. “My movement, my mentality, being patient. As a striker, the best example is Erling Haaland. He doesn’t touch the ball for 20 minutes and then scores.”

Watkins’ performances have been key to Aston Villa’s recent success. They are now on a 10-game winning streak at home, and are pushing for a European finish in the league.  Haaland, on the other hand, has set the soccer world ablaze with his goal-scoring exploits by becoming the benchmark for aspiring forwards. His ability to impact a game even when starved of opportunities is a trait that Watkins, among others, aims to emulate.

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Interestingly, having already scored the hattrick against Hibernian in the Europa Conference League in August, Watkins is now the first Villa striker to score two hat-tricks in a season. This feat was last achieved by Andy Gray in 1976-77 season. This historic feat for Aston Villa would surely put Ollie Watkins in contention for inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Watkins aims for England call-up

Watkins’ hat-trick against Brighton was a timely reminder of his quality, and he is now hoping to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad. The Three Lions manager and boss Gareth Southgate was in attendance at Villa Park, when Watkins displayed his masterclass performance. The 27-year-old Aston Villa forward seems more motivated than when he last played for England more than a year ago.

Notably, Watkins’ teammate and Aston Villa captain John McGinn told Watkins about Southgate watching the game. Watkins claimed, “John McGinn actually told me on the pitch when I scored my third that he was up in the stands. But it doesn’t matter who is here. I always want to perform well, score goals, and help the team win.” Watkins knows that he needs to continue performing at a high level if he wants to be selected for the England squad, but he is confident that he can make it.

If Watkins continues to follow the footsteps of his soccer idols, like Erling Haaland, and maintains his current trajectory, an England call-up may not be far away. He has the potential to be a key player for the English National Team, and Villa Park remains the stage where his dreams are taking shape.

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