Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is keen to step out from Harry Kane's shadow and become England's leading man up front. As Villa gear up to battle Bayern Munich in a thrilling Champions League clash on Wednesday, Watkins is eyeing the spotlight.
The 28-year-old sharpshooter carved an indelible mark during Euro 2024 by cementing the Three Lions' spot in the final with a dramatic winner against the Netherlands and shed light on his rapport with Kane.
"Everyone is fighting for a position on the pitch so I want to be the man to play but day in day out we have a good relationship," he shared. "We talk and when I'm in the camp I speak to him so there's no animosity and I'm doing all I can to be on the pitch and so is he.
Watkins has been crucial in Villa's rise towards the Champions League and trails behind only Harry Kane and Cole Palmer in the list of top-scoring English players since the start of last season.
Related articles Man Utd 'face £10m penalty and PSR rule breaches' as grim future laid out Man Utd stars 'want Ruud van Nistelrooy put in charge' with Ten Hag in trouble Premier League star slapped with ban for calling official a 'f***ing little c***The former Brentford ace, not long ago plying his trade at Exeter, is relishing his remarkable ascent and said: "It's really exciting for me, for my journey and the club. It's a long time since (there were) Champions League nights at Villa Park.
"These are the nights we all dreamt of especially since I came here. Playing Champions League football for Villa is the best it can get really. I think we've all got to go out there and enjoy it.
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"For me personally I haven't experienced Champions League football before so I want to enjoy it because this is what I dreamt of as a kid."
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Watkins added of Villa boss Emery: "He has completely turned us around as players and the club. Full credit to him and us as players, obviously.
"It's not a pinch me moment tomorrow. But more one where we look back at how quickly everything has turned around.
"Since he set foot in the door it has been so positive. We have won more than we have lost and we are only getting better and improving.
"It is such a lovely place to be, this club, especially as a player, but also for the fans and for people outside this club to see the stature of it, improving and getting better, every day and each week."
Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
Ollie Watkins aiming to replace Harry Kane as Aston Villa ace relishes Bayern clash
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