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Darren Bent issues Ollie Watkins warning after poor Aston Villa start
Aston Villa have got off to a bright start in the Premier League this season, picking up six points from their first three games.
The Villans began their season with a 2-1 win away at West Ham before losing 2-0 to Arsenal, though they played well and could’ve easily taken the lead.
Villa then made amends with another 2-1 away win, seeing off newly-promoted Leicester City at the King Power Stadium before the international break.
Despite the Villans making a decent start to the season, Ollie Watkins is yet to get off the mark for the claret-and-blue outfit.
Now, talkSPORT pundit and former Villa forward Darren Bent has warned the 28-year-old that he’s at risk of losing his starting spot.
Darren Bent says Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran will be snapping at Ollie Watkins’ heels
Bent, speaking on talkSPORT (3/9/2024, 4:57pm), says he’s a big fan of Jhon Duran, who will be snapping at Watkins’ heels for a chance.
The 20-year-old has already scored twice in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench to net against West Ham and Leicester.
And while Bent recognises that Watkins may be fatigued after a long 2023/24 campaign, he stresses that the player’s form needs to pick up.
Otherwise, Villa’s current first-choice up front risks losing his place to the £39,000-a-week ace (), suggested the talkSPORT pundit.
“Long season, played a lot of games last year, went away with England at the Euros, played a big part in them getting to the final,” said Bent. “Maybe he has come back a little bit fatigued.
“Unfortunately, he has got Jhon Duran, who I am a big fan of, he came on last season and made an impact, nearly went to West Ham. I think he will start to get more minutes.
“I still think Watkins is their main centre-forward, of course, but the form has got to pick up.”
READ MORE: Troy Deeney names shock Aston Villa player in Premier League Team of the Week after win vs Leicester
When could Watkins play next?
Watkins is in Lee Carsley’s England squad for their upcoming Nations League encounters.
The Three Lions play the Republic of Ireland and Finland on Saturday 7 September (5pm) and Tuesday 10 September (7:45pm) respectively.
Villa then return to action on Saturday 14 September as they host struggling Everton at Villa Park in a 5:30pm kick-off.