Aston Villa's attacking dynamics have shifted dramatically as manager Unai Emery announces that Ollie Watkins no longer holds guaranteed status as the team's primary striker. The emergence of promising forward Jhon Duran has created a genuine battle for the starting position, with Emery believing this rivalry will push both players to reach new heights.
Watkins' recent form and challenges
Ollie Watkins' current performance marks a stark contrast to his exceptional 2023-24 season, where he dominated with 19 Premier League goals and topped assist charts across Europe's elite leagues. The striker's participation in Euro 2024 with England appears to have impacted his sharpness, resulting in a noticeable dip in form.
His struggle in front of goal is evident, with just one strike in his previous eight league matches. More concerning is his position at the top of this season's Premier League missed chances list, with 11 clear opportunities going begging.
Duran's rise and pressure on Watkins
Colombian forward Jhon Duran has made the most of his opportunities, recording eight goals across all competitions this campaign. The 20-year-old's impact has been particularly notable in crucial victories against West Ham and Leicester, where his late-game contributions proved decisive.
His goal-scoring prowess extends to European competitions, finding the net in significant Champions League wins over Bayern Munich and Bologna. This consistent performance has prompted Emery to substitute Watkins earlier in matches, typically between minutes 60 and 70.
Emery's approach to competition
The Villa manager's strategy centres on building a squad with two capable players for each position, creating healthy internal competition. This philosophy has altered the dynamics for established players like Watkins, who must now consistently prove their worth.
Emery acknowledges Watkins needs time to regain peak condition after missing parts of pre-season training, during which Duran's goals helped secure vital points. The manager maintains that team success takes precedence over individual considerations.
The road ahead for Villa
The upcoming home fixture against Crystal Palace presents another opportunity in this evolving striker situation. Villa, currently ninth in the Premier League and trailing third-placed Chelsea by just one point, aims to end their three-match winless streak. They face a Palace side battling relegation, adding extra weight to the encounter.
The ongoing competition between Watkins and Duran looks set to shape Villa's attacking approach as they pursue their ambitions of establishing themselves among the league's top teams.