Aston Villa fans convinced Ollie Watkins is destined for World Cup spot after Bologna interview

Aston Villa fans have hailed the hunger and desire of striker Ollie Watkins after he struck a brace in their 3-1 win away at Bologna on Thursday night.

The frontman netted the second and third goals for Unai Emery’s side, as they ran out winners in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final in Italy.

The 30-year-old was on post-match interview duties for TNT Sports on the side of the pitch after the full-time whistle, and his comments certainly haven’t gone amiss among the supporters.

Watkins suggested that he was “raring to go” for the final stages of the season, while adding that he could “play another 90 minutes right now,”

Watkins’ performance was decisive for Villa in their latest European victory, and their fans are convinced that he is on his way to booking his spot on the plane for the World Cup.

Aston Villa fans all in agreement over Ollie Watkins hunger

Watkins outlined in his interview that he was “hungry” for success in the final weeks of the campaign, with Villa on the cusp of securing a return to Champions League football for next term.

The former Brentford man was notably left out of the England squad for the March internationals by Thomas Tuchel, but he has since responded well to that snub on the pitch.

Watkins’ brace against Bologna took him to 12 goals in all competitions this season, and while he has faced criticism at times, Villa fans are now all in agreement that he is ready to hit his best form again heading into the summer.

Fans took to X to praise the drive that he showed in his interview, with one pointing out that it is clear that he “wants to be on that plane in the summer.”

Another fan took that one step further and replied with a screenshot showing Watkins’ form, while suggesting that he may have already booked his place in Tuchel’s final group.

One supporter suggested that Tuchel had done Villa “a massive favour” by snubbing Watkins in March, while another simply commented “he is back” under the interview.

• @Nigel_Gruff_: “Has been immense since being left out of the England squad. Actually looking forward to the run-in now.”
• @jeanstshirt: “Suddenly, he looks like the key to a huge final push to the end of the season. It won’t do his England hopes any harm either.”
• @This_Dosanjh: “Watkins is back…ready for England spot!”

Watkins fighting for his future amid Everton interest

Former Villa scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Villa are looking to cash in on Watkins this summer, as they are set to require key sales once again.

Emery and Co. have found themselves needing to sell in order to buy in almost every window in recent years, and that looks set to be the case once again.

Watkins has been linked with a summer switch to Everton of late, and Brown believes that Villa are ready to cash in on their star striker and pursue other options.

However, that stance could surely change if Watkins impressed between now and the end of the campaign, with more displays like his one against Bologna.

It is clear that he has fire in his belly heading into the final weeks of the season, and he must now translate that into further success on the pitch.

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