How does Ollie Watkins compare to other players?
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Early Life
Born in Teignmouth, Devon on December 30, 1995, Ollie Watkins came through Exeter City's academy — a club not known for producing Premier League strikers. He worked his way up from League Two, winning over every crowd he played in front of with his work rate, pace and eye for goal.
Breakthrough
Brentford signed him in 2017 and Watkins became one of the Championship's most feared attackers. His record of 25 goals in 2019-20 caught Aston Villa's attention and they paid £28M — a significant fee for a Championship striker at the time. He repaid it immediately, scoring 14 goals in his debut Premier League season.
Career
At Villa, Watkins developed from a hard-working striker into a complete one. Unai Emery sharpened his game tactically and the goals kept coming. He scored a last-minute winner for England against the Netherlands at Euro 2024 — one of the tournament's defining moments — and secured Champions League football for Villa with his domestic form.
Personal Life
Watkins is universally praised as one of football's most grounded characters. He credits his rise to his work ethic and the mentality he built coming through lower-league football, where nothing is given to you.
Legacy
A genuine working-class football story. From Exeter City's League Two to the Champions League and Euro 2024 heroics for England — Watkins did it the hard way and every step of it was earned.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Made his professional debut at Exeter, becoming a fan favourite in League Two
Signed by Brentford and became one of the Championship's most consistent strikers
Joined Villa for £28M — a fee that looked a bargain within months
Scored a last-minute winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final, sending England to the final
Fun Facts
Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner for England against the Netherlands at Euro 2024 — one of the most dramatic goals in recent tournament history
He came through Exeter City in League Two — one of the lowest-profile academies to produce an England international
His 25 goals in the 2019-20 Championship season made him the division's top scorer and earned him a big-money move
Watkins has scored against most Premier League teams home and away — his all-round record is among the division's best
He plays with an intensity and pressing style that makes him as effective without the ball as with it
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