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Dean Smith says one Aston Villa player ‘always tops’ the running charts, he’s a joy to work with
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has waxed lyrical about Ollie Watkins following the striker’s call-up to the England squad.
Watkins has been superb for the Villans since joining last year from Brentford in a reported £28million deal, potentially rising to £33million.
He has hit the ground running in his first Premier League season, registering 10 goals and three assists in 27 top-flight appearances, plus two goals in three League Cup games.
Watkins has also played every minute of Villa’s league campaign this term, and he still looks like he’s got plenty left in the tank.
As a result, the 25-year-old has been rewarded with his first England call-up, and Smith says Gareth Southgate will have an incredible player to work with.
“He always tops our charts in terms of high speed running and sprinting which tells you just how much work he puts into the team,” Smith told .
“If you ask any of our players they’ll all say that he’s a really good teammate, and that’s really important.
“Yes, he scores goals, and he’ll continue to do that, but he’s got a great mindset for improvement, and he’s one of our most coachable players.”
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Watkins, a star for Brentford last season, has hit the ground running for Villa since his move, looking good value for his transfer fee already.
It’s little surprise that he’s been rewarded with an England call-up and no doubt he will also deliver for the Three Lions in their World Cup qualifiers.