Former Liverpool man Robbie Fowler reckons Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins would be a perfect addition at Anfield with the striker having demonstrated his zeal in front of the goal over the course of this campaign.
With 13 goals to his name in 34 Premier League outings across the 2020-21 season, Watkins has made his name as one of the most influential figures in the Aston Villa setup and even earned his very first England cap earlier this year in a game which he marked with a goal.
In his column for The Mirror, Fowler says that with his style of play similar to what Klopp has employed at Liverpool, the 25-year-old Watkins could be a viable addition for a host of sides in the ‘Big Six’ of the Premier League,in particular the Merseysiders who have taken a special interest in the Villa first-team regular.
“I look at him, and I see a striker who is prepared to learn, prepared to work. In fact, I spotted last year his work rate is incredible, and Dean Smith says he’s the best pressing centre forward in the league.
“To me that’s significant. Because what do the top teams want? A forward who performs a crucial pressing role. Manchester City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea. They all want a striker who performs the press with energy and intelligence, and does more than one job.
“Of course, they’d like one who scores too, but it’s not just about goalscoring any more. Far from it. Look at Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, look at City without a recognised number nine, and Chelsea sticking with Werner.
“I’m not trying to sell Watkins – honestly Villa fans! – but he’s taken the step up every time so far, and I can see him doing it again. To the very top level, if he can keep the trajectory of his work rate, attitude and mentality.
“Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp absolutely sang his praises a few weeks ago, and you can definitely see someone with his pressing ability – and the stats to go with it – doing well under that sort of manager.
“And believe me, clubs like City and Liverpool with their massive analytics departments will have run those stats many times already.”
Jurgen Klopp’s attacking department has not been at their brilliant best this season barring Mohammad Salah and new boy Diogo Jota living up to the expectations.
The likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have struggled in front of the goal with the former, who is linked with a move to Spain in the summer, not having scored a goal since the backend of January.
