Ollie Watkins makes Big Six admission amid superb form for Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins believes a dislike of the limelight means his elite striking credentials "go under the radar".
The Aston Villa striker, 27, was recalled by Gareth Southgate after hitting a hat-trick against Brighton on the last day of September. Watkins reckons his scoring form is the only way for him to make the England squad... possibly because he is not a billboard player.
He explains: "I started the season off well but because I maybe didn’t have any goals, I didn’t get called up. Then, I score four in two games and it gets people talking. I go under the radar, maybe. I’m not talked about enough... profile-wise. But, yes, I know I have been producing on the pitch since he (Villa manager Unai Emery) came in. But I do go under the radar.
"You get some players that are just likeable and out there. I’m not really too fussed about that. I just like playing football. A lot of people said to me I need to push my profile but I am happy with what I am doing on the pitch and that’s all that matters to me."
Which is why, despite some advice, Watkins keeps his social media activity to a minimum. He says: "I’m not too fussed about social media, I don’t really push it from that side. I definitely think, for example, Jack (Grealish) is on another level. He’s like a superstar, whereas I can still do other stuff - I don’t have that spotlight on me."
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Watkins also suspects that another spin-off from his low profile could actually affect things on the pitch. During Sunday’s Premier League game at Wolves, Watkins appeared to be pushed by Matt Doherty as he tried to convert a chance. The shove by the Wolves defender knocked Watkins off balance, causing him to skew his effort wide.
Referee Rob Jones waved away penalty claims but when Watkins was asked if a striker with a higher profile would have got a different decision, he replied: "Probably yes, definitely... or maybe if I was at one of the so-called Big Six."
Watkins has already scored seven goals for Aston Villa this season (Getty Images)Do you think Ollie Watkins should leave Aston Villa for a so-called Big Six club? Let us know in the comments below!
Watkins will not be going to one of the so-called Big Six any time soon, having signed a new five-year deal last week. One of the main reasons he has put one to paper is the influence of Emery, who will celebrate a year in charge at Villa Park later this month.
"Under (Steven) Gerrard... I wasn’t really getting the best out of my game," says Watkins. "That wasn't down to him - I had just kind of fallen into a rut. He (Emery) put a lot of faith in me and gave me confidence to go out and perform, just focusing on scoring goals and helping the team.
"I feel like I have gone on a different path and really focused on being a striker. Before I was trying to do everything, trying to cross it and get on the end of my own cross. Now I am just focused on being the main man."
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