Aston Villa’s talismanic striker Ollie Watkins has found himself in an unfamiliar predicament, struggling to find the back of the net in the early stages of the season. Despite his goalless start, Tony Cascarino, a seasoned pundit and former professional footballer, has offered a reassuring verdict, attributing Watkins’ slow start to his truncated pre-season training regimen.

Watkins, who played a pivotal role in Aston Villa’s Champions League qualification last season, has been unable to replicate his scintillating form, drawing blanks in each of the team’s opening three fixtures. However, Cascarino remains unperturbed, citing the striker’s exemplary attitude and work rate as reasons to believe that his goalscoring drought will soon come to an end.

“Ollie Watkins is a player who has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure,” Cascarino explained. “His involvement in the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final meant that he had a shortened pre-season, which can undoubtedly impact a player’s sharpness and match fitness. I have no doubts that he will soon regain his scoring touch and prove to be a vital component of Aston Villa’s attack.”

Cascarino’s sentiments are echoed by Watkins’ manager, Unai Emery, who has publicly expressed his confidence in the striker’s ability to rediscover his goalscoring form. With Aston Villa boasting an array of attacking talent, including the likes of Jhon Duran and Amadou Onana, the pressure on Watkins to perform has been alleviated to some extent. Nevertheless, his contributions will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the Champions League and domestic competitions.

As Watkins seeks to regain his scoring prowess, his teammates have risen to the challenge, ensuring that Aston Villa’s attacking unit remains a potent force. The emergence of Youri Tielemans as a midfield maestro has been a notable highlight, with the Belgian international showcasing his exceptional vision, passing range, and tenacity in the heart of midfield.