Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has opened up about his turbulent season, crediting former England star Michael Owen for helping him through what he describes as a "difficult" period. Despite scoring 99 goals for Villa and recently netting twice in the Europa League, Watkins admits this campaign has been one of his toughest yet.
Watkins' journey to the Premier League has been anything but conventional. From playing in the National League with Weston-super-Mare to scoring England's winning goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final, his path has been marked by resilience and unexpected turns.
"This season has definitely been challenging," Watkins revealed. "There have been moments where I've had to dig deep and find motivation in different places."
The 28-year-old striker credits Owen's mentorship as a crucial factor in maintaining his focus during this testing period. While details of their conversations remain private, Watkins emphasized how valuable it's been to receive guidance from someone who understands the pressures of elite football.
Reflecting on his unconventional path to the top, Watkins shared insights from his early career struggles. At just nine years old, he was initially rejected by Exeter City's academy for lacking focus during a trial.
"They told me to come back in six weeks, but I knew I needed to go play with my friends and just enjoy football again," Watkins recalled. "Looking back, that rejection might have been a blessing. It allowed me to develop my love for the game without pressure."
Watkins eventually joined Exeter's academy two years later, but his breakthrough came during a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare, where he experienced men's football for the first time.
"That loan was crucial," he explained. "I learned what it meant to fight for three points when people had mortgages to pay. Reserve team football doesn't prepare you for that intensity."
Now approaching 100 goals for Aston Villa and with renewed speculation about his World Cup prospects, Watkins remains philosophical about his career trajectory.
"There's always an element of luck in football," he noted. "I remember getting my chance at Exeter because a midfielder was ill. I scored and stayed in the team. But after that, it's about working hard and making sure you're ready when opportunities come."
Despite the current season's challenges, Watkins' recent performances suggest he's finding his form at a crucial time, with European competition and international ambitions still very much alive.