Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made it explicitly clear that Ollie Watkins is no longer assured a starting role as the team’s centre forward, despite his commendable performances for the England national team. Emery's remarks come in light of Watkins' recent success, including the opportunity to lead the line ahead of Harry Kane during England's Nations League victory against Greece. However, the dynamics at Villa Park are shifting, with Jhon Duran emerging as a serious contender for the striking position.
Watkins has demonstrated his capabilities, contributing five goals across all competitions this season. Nevertheless, he has often found himself substituted during matches, typically between the 60th and 70th minutes. In contrast, Duran has already found the net on eight occasions, illustrating his efficient scoring ability, although he has not scored in the Premier League since September 21, 2023.
Ahead of their upcoming clash with Crystal Palace, Emery has highlighted the importance of all players adapting to the club's evolving tactical framework. "Watkins is very important for us, but some circumstances can change," he stated. "We are building a team with two players for every position." This comment underscores Emery's emphasis on tactical flexibility, encouraging adaptability within his squad. He added, "Watkins has to accept and adapt quickly to his new position, playing the same way as last year, with his quality and capacity. I don’t want just one player feeling confident, getting minutes, scoring goals. I want every player to have the same mentality."
Emery also acknowledged Duran's significant contributions during earlier stages of the season, which have been crucial for the team, particularly as Villa navigates the difficulties of two consecutive league defeats. Despite these challenges, the club remains in contention for Champions League qualification. Duran's impactful performances off the bench have led to vital victories against teams such as West Ham, Leicester, and Everton, especially during a time when Watkins was working to regain his form following Euro 2024.
"We knew Watkins needed time to get fit and confident again, especially since he did not engage fully during pre-season,” Emery explained. “We needed Duran to score goals late in matches. Without Duran's contributions, we might not have accumulated the points we currently have." He emphatically stated, "The team, the squad, and the commitment to help each other are the most important aspects moving forward."
With this strategic evolution at Villa Park, both Watkins and Duran must harmonise their skills and efforts to align with the collective ambitions of the team, all while operating under Emery's thoughtful leadership. The ongoing developments at Aston Villa signal a dedication to squad depth and proactive adaptability, which bode well for the club's aspirations this season.