When a striker of Robbie Fowler’s pedigree speaks, individuals pay attention. The previous Liverpool nice, whose 183-goal tally places him among the many pantheon of Anfield legends, has recognized one identify he believes could lead on the road for the Reds—Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Picture: IMAGO
Talking candidly throughout a fan Q&A on social media, Fowler replied to a supporter’s question about Liverpool’s striker choices with a usually succinct endorsement: “I’d take Ollie Watkins… works laborious, acquired targets in him.”
That sentiment, shared by displays extra than simply nostalgia or sentimentality. It underlines a realistic view of what Liverpool may have this summer time if Darwin Núñez departs.
Watkins brings targets and graft
Watkins’ Premier League output is not any accident. He has scored no less than 11 league targets in every of his 5 top-flight campaigns, a feat that speaks to his consistency. His 17 targets in all competitions for Aston Villa final season had been bettered by solely Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo within the Liverpool squad.
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Fowler earlier described Watkins as “an amazing participant and established and skilled within the Premier League,” underlining the mix of high quality and know-how he may provide. Importantly, Watkins can be sturdy. Whereas Diogo Jota’s recurring accidents have disrupted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm, Watkins has been a close to ever-present for Villa.
Age profile versus confirmed capability
At 29, Watkins sits outdoors the same old FSG recruitment profile, the place worth and resale potential are prized. But, this can be a summer time of exceptions. Arne Slot’s Liverpool is rising from a transitional interval, and whereas the membership is reportedly investing closely in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, having a assured goalscorer able to plug straight into the beginning XI may very well be very important.
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Furthermore, Watkins qualifies as homegrown and wouldn’t want time to acclimatise to the tempo and rigour of English soccer. With Darwin Núñez reportedly contemplating a recent begin, and the ahead line but to seek out its post-Klopp rhythm, the argument for a dependable No. 9 grows stronger.
As Fowler hints, touchdown a participant like Watkins received’t come low cost. With Aston Villa unlikely to welcome provides under premium market worth, Liverpool would probably must shell out a big price.
Commercial
Nonetheless, if Liverpool are severe about rising the hole on the prime and reasserting home dominance, they could have to revisit their switch rulebook. Watkins, by all accounts, seems like a ready-made resolution.
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There’s a wierd rigidity at Anfield lately: one half wanting ahead underneath Arne Slot, one other nonetheless clinging to echoes of the Klopp period. In that area, the concept of signing Ollie Watkins feels each logical and jarring.
Logical as a result of he ensures targets, runs himself into the bottom for the crew, and is Premier League-proven. Jarring as a result of, at 29, he’s not the shiny, untapped gem FSG often pursue.
Commercial
It’s laborious to not see the attraction. Watkins doesn’t want adaptation time. He received’t disguise in huge video games. He doesn’t miss two months with a hamstring pressure. And if Núñez is heading out, we will’t afford to be sentimental or naive in our pursuit of a alternative.
However the concern is whether or not FSG can be keen to spend £60 million-plus on somebody with out resale worth. If we’re already investing closely in Wirtz and Frimpong, would they go that far?
In reality, it’s not about age. It’s about what the squad wants. And if Robbie Fowler is pointing towards Watkins, perhaps it’s time the membership listened—not simply to knowledge fashions, however to those that’ve worn the shirt and scored the targets.
