Ollie Watkins: ‘I want to be seen as one of the killers in front of goal’

As another scintillating Premier League season draws to a climax Ollie Watkins, ever the perfectionist, already has one eye on the next, the striker determined to scale new heights to help elevate Aston Villa into jostling for a European berth. “I know I can get up to around 20 goals in this league and hopefully I can do that next year,” Watkins says. “Scoring that amount puts you into a different category. You start to be seen as one of the ‘killers’ in front of goal. People always talk about Harry Kane – he’s a very good finisher and that’s why his goal record is so good. There are a lot of players over the years that have been like that and that’s what I want to be known for.”

This week the Villa manager, Steven Gerrard, said the selfless Watkins was his own worst critic – “sometimes he can overanalyse” – but the 26-year-old is learning to be kinder to himself. He previously enlisted the help of a psychologist and listening to podcasts such as The High Performance podcast has helped shape his mentality. “I’ve tried to ease off putting the pressure on myself and I just try to go out and enjoy it and get into that mindset of not being too high or too low,” Watkins says. “I feel like physically I’ve definitely developed a lot in the gym but mentally is the big part that has changed in my game. It is just about trying to keep a level head.”

Watkins is likely to lead the line when Gerrard’s side visit Manchester City on Sunday knowing they can derail Pep Guardiola’s pursuit of a fourth league title in five seasons. He is unassuming and warm company at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath base as he discusses life as a father to his eight-month-old daughter, Amara May, adapting to Dean Smith’s departure in November, his rise from playing