50 Facts About Ollie Watkins

Early Life and Beginnings

Ollie Watkins' journey from a small town in Devon to the heights of Premier League football is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into his early life and how he got started in football.

1. Full Name and Date of Birth: Oliver George Arthur Watkins was born on December 30, 1995, in Torquay, Devon, England.
2. Place of Birth: He took his first breath at Torbay Hospital in Torquay, Devon.
3. Early Childhood: Watkins spent his childhood in the picturesque town of Newton Abbot, Devon.
4. Education: He attended South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton, where his love for football began to take shape alongside his academic pursuits.
5. Footballing Beginnings: His journey in football started with a friend inviting him to training sessions at Newton Town, a local team near his home in Newton Abbot.

Rising Through the Ranks

Watkins' talent was quickly recognized, leading him to join Exeter City and begin his ascent through the football ranks.

6. Joining Exeter City: He was scouted by Exeter City at the age of 11 after a failed trial two years earlier. He joined the club's academy and rose through the youth ranks.
7. Youth Achievements: By 2012, Watkins had signed a scholarship deal with Exeter City. In April 2014, he signed a two-year professional contract after scoring 30 goals for the Under-18 team in the 2013–14 Football League Youth Alliance South West Conference-winning season.
8. First-Team Debut: Watkins made his senior debut for Exeter City when he replaced Aaron Dawson in the 77th minute of a 2–0 victory over Hartlepool United in the final League Two match of the 2013–14 season.
9. Loan to Weston-super-Mare: In December 2014, Watkins was loaned to Weston-super-Mare AFC, where he scored ten goals in 25 appearances and returned to Exeter with a sense of rejuvenation.
10. Breakthrough at Exeter: Watkins joined Exeter City's first team in October 2015 and scored his first goal of the 2015-16 season in an FA Cup match against Port Vale.

Achievements and Recognition

Watkins' hard work and talent didn't go unnoticed, earning him several awards and recognitions early in his career.

11. Awards and Recognition: In March 2016, Watkins won the Football League Young Player and PFA Fans' Player of the Month awards.
12. EFL Young Player of the Year: In January 2017, Watkins received recognition for his exceptional talent, winning the League Two Player of the Month award. He was later honored with the prestigious EFL Young Player of the Year award on April 9, 2017.

Move to Brentford

Watkins' impressive performances at Exeter City led to a significant move to Brentford, where he continued to shine.

13. Move to Brentford: Watkins' impressive performances at Exeter City led to his move to Brentford on July 18, 2017, for a fee reported to be £1.8 million.
14. Debut Goal at Brentford: He scored his debut goal for Brentford on August 8, 2017, in an EFL Cup match against AFC Wimbledon.
15. Contract Extension: In August 2019, Watkins was rewarded with a new four-year contract at Brentford.
16. Hat-Trick Against Barnsley: Watkins' standout moment at Brentford came with a hat-trick against Barnsley on September 29, 2019.
17. Championship Player of the Year: During the 2019–20 season, Watkins finished as the joint top-scorer in the Championship and was named Championship Player of the Year in 2020.

Premier League Success with Aston Villa

Watkins' career took another leap when he joined Aston Villa, becoming their all-time record signing.

18. Move to Aston Villa: In September 2020, Watkins signed for Aston Villa in a £28 million move from Brentford, becoming the club's all-time record signing.
19. First Premier League Goals: On October 4, 2020, Watkins scored his first Premier League goals in a 7–2 home victory over Liverpool, achieving a perfect hat-trick with left-footed, right-footed, and headed goals.
20. Hat-Trick Against Hibernian: Watkins marked his Aston Villa debut with a memorable hat-trick against Hibernian in a UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round match on August 23, 2023.
21. Second Hat-Trick Against Brighton & Hove Albion: A month later, Watkins secured his second hat-trick of the 2023–24 season against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 30, 2023.
22. Contract Extension: Following his stellar performances, Watkins extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2028 on October 6, 2023.
23. Joint-Top Scorer at Aston Villa: On April 14, 2024, Watkins became the joint-top scorer for Aston Villa in a single Premier League season with 19 goals, equaling Christian Benteke’s record.
24. Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season: Watkins' exceptional form won him the prestigious Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season awards on May 14, 2024.
25. Premier League Playmaker of the Season: In May 2024, Watkins was named Premier League Playmaker of the Season for the 2023–24 season.

International Career with England

Watkins' talent earned him a spot on the England national team, where he continued to make an impact.

26. England National Team Debut: Watkins made his debut for the England national team in 2021, scoring on his debut.
27. UEFA Euro 2024: Watkins represented England at UEFA Euro 2024 and played a crucial role in their semi-final victory against the Netherlands, scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute.
28. Style of Play: Watkins has been described as one of the best centre-forwards in Europe and the world. He is known for his finishing ability, work ethic, and versatility. Watkins has described himself as "a number 10" and has been adept at playing as a winger and a traditional centre-forward.
29. Inspirational Figure: Watkins has named Thierry Henry as his idol, citing his ability to drive at defenders and create opportunities with the ball.
30. Adaptability: Under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Watkins began to play as a number 9, not only scoring but also setting up goals for teammates. This adaptability has been a key factor in his success.

Personal Traits and Influence

Watkins' success is not just about his skills on the field but also his mindset and character.

31. Early Steeliness: Watkins' mindset was forged during his late teenage years at Exeter City, where he played in various positions to get on the pitch. This utility man approach helped shape his future and cemented his early steeliness.
32. Loan Spell at Weston-super-Mare: At Weston-super-Mare AFC, six divisions deep in the Football League pyramid, Watkins scored ten goals in 24 games and returned to Exeter with a sense of rejuvenation.
33. Defining Period: The loan spell at Weston-super-Mare helped shape Watkins' future and cement that early steeliness in his mindset. This period was crucial in his development as a footballer.
34. Hard Work Ethic: Watkins has always believed that hard work is essential. He admits that until he broke into the first team, he didn’t work as hard. However, once he got into the first team, he made sure to always put in the effort, throwing himself about and running to get lucky.
35. Grassroots Story: Watkins' grassroots story began with a friend inviting him to training sessions at Newton Town. This local team near his home in Newton Abbot was where his footballing journey properly started.
36. Scouting by Exeter City: Watkins was scouted by Exeter City maybe only a year after joining Newton Town. This quick scouting process kicked off his professional career.
37. Psychological Repositioning: Watkins' ability to think about the game differently and anticipate or intercept the ball has been a key factor in his success. This psychological repositioning has helped him become a more effective player.
38. Physical Attributes: Watkins has a great physique, described as powerful, quick, and direct. His physical attributes make him a threat and a handful for defenders.
39. Quiet but Positive Character: Despite being a quiet lad, Watkins is known for being a positive guy who knew what he wanted. His hard work and determination have earned him respect from his peers and coaches.
40. Managerial Recognition: Dean Smith, who signed Watkins for Brentford and later took him to Villa Park, has praised Watkins for his determination and desire. Thomas Frank, who helped Watkins develop his goalscoring instincts at Brentford, also commended his work ethic and dedication.

Impact on Teammates and Legacy

Watkins' influence extends beyond his own performances, impacting his teammates and leaving a lasting legacy.

41. Impact on Teammates: Clinton Morrison, a former team-mate at Brentford, described Watkins as a quiet lad but a good character who worked hard for what he wanted. Morrison praised Watkins' ability to hit the target nine times out of ten, making him a natural finisher.
42. Current Status: As of 2024, Watkins is a prolific Premier League striker and an England match-winner. His late goal against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals sent England to the final.
43. UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final: In the semi-final against the Netherlands, Watkins came off the bench in the 81st minute and scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, assisted by Cole Palmer. This moment cemented his status as a hero in English football.
44. England Squad: Watkins was named in England's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024, showcasing his continued importance to the national team.
45. International Career: With 14 caps for England, Watkins has established himself as a reliable and skilled international player. His debut goal in 2021 marked the beginning of a successful international career.
46. Personal Life: Watkins is known for being level-headed and taking everything in his stride. Despite the pressures of professional football, he remains grounded and dedicated to his craft.
47. Family Influence: Watkins' reflective moments with his family have inspired him throughout his journey. His family has been a source of grounding and emotional support, helping him navigate the highs and lows of his career.
48. Career Milestones: Watkins has achieved numerous career milestones, including winning the EFL Young Player of the Year award, being named Championship Player of the Year, and becoming the joint-top scorer for Aston Villa in a single Premier League season.
49. Awards and Accolades: Watkins has received several awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award for the 2023–24 season. He has also won the Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season awards at Aston Villa.
50. Legacy: Ollie Watkins' legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and awards. He is an inspiration to young footballers everywhere, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to success at the highest levels of the sport.

Ollie Watkins: A Footballing Phenomenon

Ollie Watkins' journey from Newton Abbot to Premier League stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His rise through the ranks, marked by hard work and determination, showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days at Exeter City to becoming Aston Villa's record signing, Watkins has consistently proven his worth. His adaptability, whether playing as a winger or a center-forward, highlights his versatility on the pitch. Notably, his performances have earned him accolades like the EFL Young Player of the Year and the Premier League Playmaker of the Season. Watkins' impact isn't limited to club football; his contributions to the England national team, including a crucial goal in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, underline his importance on the international stage. Ollie Watkins embodies the spirit of perseverance, making him a true footballing phenomenon.