Liverpool legend, Michael Owen, has urged England forward Ollie Watkins to add a more ruthless and aggressive edge to his game ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting the striker sometimes leans too much on his naturally friendly personality.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Owen argued that Watkins is most dangerous when he plays with intensity and hostility towards defenders, turning his skill set into a constant threat in the box.
“So, what’s the secret to unlocking Ollie? The problem with him and I tell him this all the time, is that he’s too nice,” Owen wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“He’s the nicest man in the world! To be a top centre-forward, and truly rip the guts out of your opponents, which you have to want to do, you’ve got to be a bit horrible on the pitch.
“You’ve got to be ruthless. You’ve got to have an edge. Off the pitch, you can be lovely, and he is. But when you cross the line, you’ve got to be brutally clinical.”
Watkins, who plays for Aston Villa, has grown into one of the club’s most reliable attacking forces in recent seasons, combining pace, movement, and sharp finishing to lead the line effectively.
The England international recently completed his sixth season with Villa, surpassing the 100-goal mark across all competitions. He has built a reputation as a tireless forward whose pressing ability and finishing make him a constant threat.
In his most recent campaign, Watkins scored 21 goals in all competitions. His strong end to the season played a key role in Villa’s success, including their historic UEFA Europa League triumph.
