Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is struggling to adapt to Dean Smith's 3-5-2 formation, according to Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.
How has Watkins performed so far this season?
The 25-year-old missed the opening two league games of the season due to injury, but returned to make a cameo appearance against his former club Brentford, and has played the full 90 minutes in each of Villa's three matches since the international break.
However, he has failed to find the net in his four appearances to date, which is a disappointing return considering he scored 14-top flight goals in 2020/21.
According to WhoScored, he has only been Villa's ninth-best player in the league as he has received an average match rating of 6.80.
What did Preece say about Watkins?
Preece feels that Watkins is not comfortable playing in a front two alongside summer signing Danny Ings yet. He has backed the pair to strike up a strong understanding in the future, though.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Watkins' troubles, Preece said: “Watkins hasn’t played with a two for a while, so he’s still struggling with that dimension. They both did well, Villa fans loved their work at the weekend. They forced Man United into countless errors, the pressing was very good. But they didn’t get on the ball as much, and Watkins fluffed a couple of chances. Ings was disappointed at being dragged off.
“It summed it up for me, a long ball came up, Ings chested it down to Watkins, Watkins looked to play it back, whereas Ings wanted it in behind. They’re still working on that understanding, so I’m sure it will come, it’s still in its infancy.”
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How can Dean Smith get the best out of Watkins?
Dean Smith have switched formations this month, moving away from his usual 4-2-3-1 system to playing a 3-5-2. This is something different for Watkins, and it may just be taking him some time to get back up to speed after his injury lay-off.
Watkins and Ings are both international strikers, so it seems likely that things will click sooner rather than later. If they don't, though, Smith may have to consider changing his tactics once again to suit Watkins.
Reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 could increase the likelihood of Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey coming into the starting line-up, and Watkins may relish the opportunity to get on the end of their crosses.
This may mean that Ings drops to the bench, but Smith is clearly a fan of Watkins, having coached him at Brentford before as well, so that may be a sacrifice that he has to make if he is going to give Watkins the best chance of rediscovering his best form.