Video: £28m Aston Villa player tackles Unai Emery in his first training session and sets up a goal

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Ollie Watkins caught the eye as Aston Villa posted footage of their first training session since Unai Emery took over.

Villa put a selection of clips from the Spaniard’s first day on the grass on their official club website and YouTube channel as well.

It was notable that Emery was trying to get his new squad working on a high press from day one, which was delayed by the wait for his work permit.

£28 million man Watkins is the kind of energetic striker who can do that all day and he was leading the press in a training game yesterday.

Watkins tackles Emery and lays on a goal

Emery was playing in the defensive side, helping to play out from the back and working intently on pressing patterns from his squad.

Watkins got into the right position to dispossess his new manager before squaring the ball to allow a teammate to score.

The striker is still trying to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup, which is due to be confirmed next week.

Emery’s first game in charge is against Manchester United on Sunday, when Villa Park will likely be packed and loud to usher in a new era.

His next match is also against United, this time at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup against Erik ten Hag’s men, so it is not the easiest of starts.

Steven Gerrard got a 2-2 draw in the corresponding league fixture last season and saw his side play well in a 1-0 FA Cup loss at the Theatre of Dreams in January too.

But that was under caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick, and Ten Hag has seemingly turned the tide at United now, making them tough first – and second – opponents.