Ollie Watkins has the drive to succeed at Aston Villa
Dean Smith believes Ollie Watkins’ drive to succeed will ensure the striker continues to thrive in the Premier League for Villa.
Watkins has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the top flight since joining in a club record £28million deal from Brentford.
The 24-year-old became the first Villa player since Christian Benteke to score a Premier League hat-trick in Sunday’s remarkable 7-2 thrashing of champions Liverpool.
Though a fee which could eventually rise to £33m initially raised eyebrows in some quarters, Smith was always confident hard-working Watkins would prove a hit.
“I think people questioned the price tag for a Championship player but I was never in any doubt we would get performances like Sunday from him,” said Smith, who also signed Watkins when he was in charge at Brentford.
“I have worked with him for a long time before. He is just a great kid, his attitude and application to get better is up there with the best players I have seen.
“I have never doubted that performance. It didn’t surprise me and that is the best accolade I can give him.”
