Unai Emery stunned by how much 28-year-old Aston Villa player has developed this season

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Unai Emery has praised Ollie Watkins’ development this season after the Aston Villa striker’s performance this weekend against Sheffield United.

The 28-year-old attacker was the star of the show for Villa as Watkins scored one and assisted another two in what was a thumping 5-0 against the Blades at Bramall Lane.

Watkins has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season, and Emery has now noted how much the former Brentford forward has grown and developed this season under the Spanish coach.

Emery said via Birmingham Live: “Ollie Watkins is a player with high commitment to the club. High commitment to the work too. His behaviour is completely focused on football and Aston Villa.

“His wishes to win and desire to improve is always a very good example for everybody. Then, the result is the performance on the pitch, scoring goals and getting assists.

“Even when we are analysing the match we played away in the league against Everton, he had four very good possibilities to score and create chances, but he was not clinical. But this is good work and this is the way, to be consistent and trying to improve and be demanding every day. This is Ollie Watkins.”

Ollie Watkins has never been better in an Aston Villa shirt

Villa are enjoying the time of their lives this season under Emery, with UEFA Champions League football a real possibility if key players can remain fit and form can stay consistent.

And Watkins has been a big reason behind this brilliant run in the Premier League, with the England international enjoying the form of his life in what is turning out to be the attacker’s best season to date.

16 goals and 12 assists in all competitions is a fantastic return for the Torquay-born attacker, and if Villa are to qualify for the Champions League, Watkins will be a key factor behind the historic achievement.