Insider claims Gerrard will have "more patience" with Watkins than big-money Aston Villa signing

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard might show Ollie Watkins more patience than Danny Ings, claims journalist Dean Jones.

Both players have struggled of late, with neither finding the back of the net on a consistent basis right now.

While he may not question the efforts of his two strikers, there is no doubt that Gerrard will want more from them in terms of goals.

Going into Saturday’s clash against Southampton, Watkins has scored just one goal in his last five games, a left-footed strike in the 2-0 win against Brighton.

Meanwhile, Ings failed to score at all across the same run of fixtures, not even making an appearance in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

Ultimately, having spent £28m on Watkins in 2020 and £25m on Ings last summer, fans will be expecting the English duo to increase their output.

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In terms of who Gerrard is more likely to persist with, Jones thinks Watkins will be the one afforded more patience.

Discussing the two centre-forwards, the transfer insider told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Watkins he might have a bit more patience for, you know, he’s still developing in this league.”

Absolutely not. The two have had some difficult spells, but they are quality strikers in general.

Watkins showed just that last term after scoring 14 goals in 37 league appearances – an excellent return for his debut Premier League season.

As for Ings, he struck 12 times in 29 games as Southampton went on to finish 15th. The campaign prior, the 29-year-old found the back of the net on 22 occasions, so the firepower is certainly there. Gerrard just needs to find a way to get him and Watkins going again and on a consistent basis.

Whether the two can coexist together in the same