30 May 2024 07:16:27
Morning edd002 seeing a few rumours the club may be interested ollie watkins any truth? Cheers.
{Ed002's Note - Ollie Watkins (S) Agent is looking for options and has spoken with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. Aston Villa want a new contract.}
30 May 2024 09:23:45
After the season he's just had and being homegrown I'd imagine Villa would not sell him cheaply.
And the fact they are about to play in the CL probably says they also not looking to sell full stop which ties in with the fact they want to give him a new contract.
30 May 2024 09:32:16
Amazingly goals and assists per minute in the Premier League are nearly identical to Darwin the season gone.
30 May 2024 10:05:19
I looked at that too June because I didn’t think he was much better than Nunez and wanted to see if the stats backed that gut feeling up.
They have similar goals per 90, and Nunez has a better assists per 90. But the big difference in Watkins favour is conversion rate. Nunez is at 14% and Watkins is at 25%. That can be the difference in the tight games at the top of the table. I do think Watkins is better at pressing and holding up the ball though, but I’ve not checked if the stats back that up to be honest.
£90m being touted in the media, so not sure Watkins is so much better than Nunez that I’d be spending that much on a player who turns 29 next season. But I do see him as an overall short term upgrade.
30 May 2024 10:29:05
Nunez has much better players around him, so should have a much better return.
I wouldn’t trade them though, age is the main reason.
I’m hoping Slot can finally unlock Nunez this season.
30 May 2024 10:36:54
I think the issue with Nunez was simply being played out of position, he looked far better when playing wider running into the ball.
30 May 2024 10:46:35
Watkins is the perfect age when you have a player like Danns or Koumas coming through.
I’d take Watkins for 60 million but doubt Villa will sell.
30 May 2024 11:02:53
For us to remain at the top table we need proven quality at League and CL level. Scoring against Europa or Conference opposition shouldn't even come into it.
Watkins had more goals and assists in the Premier League last season but Nunez is the only one of the 2 to be CL proven.
30 May 2024 11:17:31
By that logic 1985Mikey Watkins also has a lot more room to run in behind which is both players strength. Teams don't park the bus against Villa like they do against us.
30 May 2024 11:27:05
He is not at the level required to play for Liverpool this will never happen.
30 May 2024 13:11:35
He is very good but to old imo. Move on.
30 May 2024 13:31:05
Difference between the stats on Nunez n Watkins is . we play by far a more attacking play. a really good striker should have a lot more goals for us . look at salah not a natural striker but bangs them in . take Watkins all day.
30 May 2024 13:48:41
How is Nunez CL proven? He might have a few goals in the early rounds but so do loads of players over the years.
30 May 2024 14:27:12
Mark as in he's played and scored in the CL mate for us and Benfica.
Watkins hasn't played there.
30 May 2024 22:29:44
Why do people fixate on cost and / or age whenever a player is mentioned? Unless this forum is now expected to stump up the money for transfers we should let the club worry about finances and as for age, it’s just a number. A 3 year contract for Watkins, as an example would take him up to 31. Yet we would all get very nervous about our defence if VVD left this summer even though he about to become 33. Again, if a player meets the club requirement - the right player at the right price (which the club determine), I don’t think cost or age is a big worry.
30 May 2024 22:35:32
To old and too expensive for us I'd bet. He's like 28 now I think not sure when he's 29. Not typically and Edwards signing.
31 May 2024 09:42:49
I’m guessing he’ll turn 29 on his next birthday @Quiqz.