Aston Villa captain John McGinn has praised striker Ollie Watkins for his brilliant performance in Villa’s 4-2 win over Liverpool on Friday, May 15.
Watkins scored twice in the win that qualified Villa for the UEFA Champions League next season; Villa will compete in the Europa League Final on May 20 against Freiburg.
Beating Liverpool sealed fourth place in the English Premier League standings for Villa, with just a game left to play in the league.
After struggling for most part of the 2025/2026 campaign that culminated in getting dropped from the England squad in March, Watkins’ form has improved sharply to the tune of recording 14 goals and three assists in 36 league games.
“I wish he was Scottish! He was obviously disappointed in March but if it gave him a kick up the backside and he’s certainly responded in the best way.”
“We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible” McGinn said.
On his part, Watkins stated, “I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad. I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do.”
