Ollie Watkins: Aston Villa striker should win player of the season, says team-mate Emi Martinez

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez believes team-mate Ollie Watkins should win Premier League player of the season.

Watkins is just one goal behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the race for the golden boot.

“He should be a really, really good contender,” Martinez told Sky Sports.

Watkins has led the charge for Unai Emery’s side, who are now fourth with five matches left – three points clear of Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

His tally this campaign matches the best-ever for a Villa player in the Premier League era, while the England international, 28, is also joint-top for top-flight assists with 10.

“I think Ollie should win player of the season,” added Martinez.

“When you play for a ‘big six’ side, you get more credit but Ollie has scored 19 goals with the chances he’s got.”

Although Watkins played down Martinez’s suggestion, there is one individual award that he is giving his all to win.

“As a striker, you want to score as many goals as possible,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m chasing that, I’m doing all that I can to help the team to win and for me to score as many goals and assists to my team-mates as possible. I definitely have my eyes on the golden boot.”