The Aston Villa striker gets candid about channeling frustration into goals and chasing World Cup glory.
Ollie Watkins isn't holding back when it comes to discussing Aston Villa's rollercoaster campaign and his burning desire to cement his place in England's World Cup plans. The clinical striker sat down with Kelly Somers to dissect everything from Villa's inconsistent form to the mental approach that's kept him firing on all cylinders despite the team's struggles.
When things get tough at Villa Park, Watkins admits he channels that frustration into pure attacking intent. The forward has developed a reputation for playing with an edge when his back's against the wall, turning adversity into ammunition for his goal-scoring exploits. It's a mentality that's served him well in the Premier League's unforgiving landscape.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Watkins revealed he actually reached out to former England striker Michael Owen for guidance on handling the pressures of international football. The move shows the hunger and professionalism that's become his trademark - seeking wisdom from those who've walked the path before him as he eyes a prominent role in England's World Cup squad.
With the global tournament on the horizon, Watkins knows every Premier League performance is a statement to Gareth Southgate. His journey mirrors the ambition we see across African football, where players like Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah have shown that relentless self-improvement and mental resilience are the keys to reaching football's biggest stages.
