Unai Emery's Proven Strategy with Aston Villa's Striker Options
The arrival of Tammy Abraham at Aston Villa has ignited discussions about the future of Ollie Watkins, but manager Unai Emery has already demonstrated his ability to manage multiple forward options effectively. This dynamic could prove beneficial for both players and the team as a whole.
Abraham's Impact and Watkins' Resilience
Tammy Abraham marked his return to Aston Villa with a goal against Newcastle United, scoring from Morgan Rogers' free kick in a recent FA Cup match. Despite the 3-1 loss that eliminated Villa from the competition, Abraham's performance in his second start since joining from Besiktas offered a positive note. The 28-year-old striker's contribution has led some to speculate he might surpass Watkins in Emery's lineup, adding to a narrative that has questioned Watkins' role throughout the season.
However, Watkins has faced similar challenges before. In autumn 2024, Jhon Duran emerged as a competitor, scoring impressive goals before a red card against Newcastle United on Boxing Day reopened opportunities for Watkins. Later, signings like Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford provided minutes but failed to secure the starting striker position permanently, even with Rashford featuring in a Champions League quarter-final against PSG.
Emery's Historical Management of Forward Competition
Unai Emery has a track record of handling striker competitions adeptly. When Rashford joined last season, Watkins responded with six goals and three assists in the final 14 matches, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. Similarly, during intense rivalry with Duran, Watkins returned to form with renewed vigor. This pattern suggests that competition, rather than threatening Watkins' place, can enhance his performance.
With Abraham now in the squad, Watkins gains a partner to share the attacking burden. This allows for better fitness management, reducing the risk of burnout from playing every minute. If Watkins is occasionally rested, it does not signify an end to his importance; instead, it could amplify his impact when he does feature on the pitch.
The Synergy of Watkins and Abraham
Emery's approach is not about choosing between Watkins or Abraham but leveraging both. Abraham's presence provides motivation and support for Watkins, potentially leading to improved performances from the England international. Historically, Emery has extracted better displays from Watkins even when other options were available, and this is unlikely to change with Abraham's arrival.
The narrative of Watkins' decline may be premature. At 30 years old, he remains a vital player in Emery's squad, having weathered previous challenges from Duran, Rashford, and Malen. Abraham's addition could be the catalyst for Watkins to elevate his game further, benefiting Aston Villa's attacking prowess in the Premier League and beyond.
