Aston Villa fans have witnessed some stellar performances from both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran this season. While both strikers bring unique qualities to the team, comparing their contributions provides insight into their impact on Villa’s campaign.
Watkins: A Consistent Performer
Ollie Watkins, now 29, has been Aston Villa’s talisman in recent years. In the Premier League this season, Watkins has featured in 15 matches, starting 11, with a total of 1,280 minutes played.
His contributions include 8 goals and 4 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create. Watkins' average match rating stands at a commendable 6.7, reflecting his consistency. He excels in duels with an average of 8.8 successful attempts per game and has created 5 big chances across the Prem and Champions League, more evidence of his attacking creativity.
Duran: The Emerging Talent
Jhon Duran, the 21-year-old Colombian forward, has been a revelation for Villa this season. Though he’s primarily featured as a substitute, appearing in 25 matches for club and country and playing 763 minutes across competitions, Duran has netted 12 goals across the Prem, League Cup and Champions League.
His Premier League average match rating is slightly lower than at 6.4, yet his per-90 stats for shots on target (2.2) and touches in the opposition box (7.2) are impressive for a young striker adapting to England’s top flight.
Key Statistics Comparison
Goals Contribution: Watkins edges with a higher goal tally, but Duran’s minutes-to-goals ratio indicates his efficiency.
Work Rate: Duran's higher success in duels per 90 (15.2 across competitions) highlights his physicality compared to Watkins’ 8.8.
Creativity: Watkins leads with 4 assists and more big chances created, while Duran is catching up with similar influence despite starting less games.
Verdict: Experience vs Potential
Watkins remains Villa’s dependable striker, offering leadership and consistency. However, Duran’s emergence signals a bright future, with his potential to become a key figure.
This season, Watkins edges ahead in overall influence, but the competition between the two enhances Villa’s attacking depth. If anything, it just shows that Villa have some fantastic depth at the top of the park.
