In-form Watkins ‘really happy’ at Brentford
Ollie Watkins says he has put his failed move to the Premier League firmly behind him and refocused on the future at Brentford.
The 23-year-old was a target for Crystal Palace in the summer and was initially downbeat after the Eagles failed to agree a deal with the Bees.
But he has since signed a new four-year contract and resurrected the formidable form he showed last season by banging in seven goals in 11 games, including a hat-trick at Barnsley last weekend.
“When there’s speculation everyone’s head gets turned but it’s normal,” he told West London Sport.
“I’m really happy here now and I think it really shows with the form I’m in and long may that continue. I’m feeling good.
“How have the club helped me refocus? For a start by giving me a new contract. They didn’t need to do that. That helps.
“And also they’ve shown me just by working with me every day, showing me where to run and what to do.
“I want to score as many goals as I can and help the team to win. I’m not setting any specific targets. I’m just trying to get in the box and get on the end of chances.”
Watkins has been deployed as Brentford’s central striker after they sold Neal Maupay to Brighton, but he appears unsure whether it can become his best position.
“I like central striker,” he said. “As long as I’m not getting long balls down my throat all the time – no one likes that. But you’ve got to do the dirty side of it as well. As long as I’m getting chances I’m happy.
“Am I more suited to it? Yes and no. I like to be involved in the game a lot. Sometimes I get frustrated coming into feet but I think I’ve adapted quite well. Hopefully I can keep it up for the rest of the season.”
Watkins was left frustrated in midweek as he battled ex-Everton centre-back Ashley Williams in a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City, who snatched a point with a late equaliser.
And he said: “It felt like we lost. We shouldn’t concede so late on and it definitely felt like two points dropped.
“I think I did well to hold the ball up against Williams to be fair. He’s played in the Prem most of the career but if you saw me up against him and I don’t think you’d have thought that.
“The league is tight. I definitely think if we’d have won it would have put us in a good position going into the Nottingham Forest game. Our away form isn’t great so we need to be at the top of our game to get a result there.”
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04/10/2019 @ 9:15 pm
Players that start their careers in the lower leagues and work their way up seem to be more grounded. They have worked hard to get their chance and have taken it when it was offered. Ollie Watkins made the jump but continued to learn and acquired the skils to play up front in any side. The type of football that Brentford play is fast, one touch, litle flicks and taps and is breathtaking to watch as well as play and their footballing reputation is well earned I would think. What a footballing school the club provides for young players.