Aston Villa’s sporadic run of form ensured that they failed to erect a substantial challenge for clinching a playoff spot in the Championship, which implies that another season of toil awaits them in the English second division next time around. The Villans have had their issues, but one of the biggest ones has been their inability to impose themselves as a daunting figure up front owing to the fact that they had consistently failed to create adequate chances or couldn’t make the most out of them when they had.
A player whom they are eyeing is Barnsley’s reliable and efficient attacker, Marley Watkins. Watkins has undergone a stupendous season for the Tykes, making 42 appearances and registering 10 goals and 7 assists in the process. His contract expires in the summer and after the spectacular season he has had under his belt, there would absolutely be no dearth of clubs who would happily add his to their ranks. He would be a quality addition to the attacking arsenal of Steve Bruce and there are many reasons for such a perception.
Having emerged through the youth setup of Swansea City, Watkins is a busy and perennially aggressive player who has a keen knack to bang goals. He mainly orchestrates his attacking flamboyance through the wings and his movements on and off the ball baffle the opposition’s defence more often than not. Predominantly a right-sided midfielder, the 26-year-old is equally adept in plying his trade as a centre-forward, dictates the tempo of the game meticulously and has been a key contributor for Super Reds for jotting adequate goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Moreover, he has emerged as one of the liveliest candidates during the counter-attacks in the Championship and is dead ball specialist as well.
Watkins is talented, has high calibre, and has many years of football left in him. He is someone who would discharge his duties with a fine aura and with his short passes and the ability to read the game in a fine manner, he would be a scintillating signing for Aston Villa. There have been many occasions of late when the Lions did inject truckloads of cash but didn’t get the output that was anticipated. By roping this Inverness Caledonian Thistle man, Bruce would do a massive favour for himself and the club as Watkins would really help them in turning into notable promotion contenders next season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
