Paul Merson says Aston Villa have a top talent who’s ‘improved ten-fold’

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Aston Villa cult hero Paul Merson says one of the Villans players has “improved ten-fold” since joining the club.

Merson, writing on Sky Sports, spoke about Ollie Watkins and how much he has developed as a footballer during his time at B6.

However, Merson also admitted that he’d prefer to see Ivan Toney make the England squad for Euro 2024 ahead of Watkins.

Villa signed Watkins in September 2020 from Brentford, for a then club-record overall fee of £33million.

The 28-year-old hit the ground running in his first season in claret and blue, bagging 16 goals and five assists in all competitions.

Watkins has registered double-figure goal tallies in each of his seasons at Villa, and this season, he’s broken the 20-goal mark.

The former Bees man’s efforts have also see him come into England contention, with nine caps and three goals to his name for the Three Lions.

Paul Merson hails Ollie Watkins development at Aston Villa

Watkins is in the latest England squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, just a few months away from Euro 2024.

However, Merson reckons Toney should get in ahead of the Villa man because of his prowess from the penalty spot.

“I would pick Ivan Toney just for his penalties instead of Ollie Watkins in England’s Euro 2024 squad,” wrote Merson.

“I don’t see the point in taking them both because Harry Kane will play every minute.

“And if he gets injured then England won’t win the Euros anyway – and I’ve been bullish that they’ll win the tournament.

“In a 23-player squad, there aren’t any spots to waste on centre-forward positions. I’d be flabbergasted if Gareth Southgate took the pair when Marcus Rashford can also play up front.

“Watkins has improved ten-fold with Aston Villa while Toney hasn’t set the world alight since his return with Brentford, but that’s understandable having not played for eight months.

“We’ll start to see the best of Toney during the run-in now that he has his striker partner Bryan Mbeumo back.

“I like Watkins but you must take Toney for his penalties, especially with England’s history in shootouts.”

It speaks volumes about England’s quality up front when a player like Watkins, who’d likely be a regular starter for many other nations, could be at risk of not making the squad.

Hopefully Gareth Southgate will pick him for the competition. England’s team is now incredibly strong and they’ll fancy their chances of winning.