Ollie Watkins arrived at Villa Park last season with doubters and a huge price tag on his shoulders, but he managed to lead the line superbly well for Dean Smith’s side and despite his success last season it could be good to have a reliable deputy, and Steve Howey believes that could be Josh King.
King failed to score a single league goal last season for either Bournemouth or Everton where he spent the second half of last season on loan, and he failed to dislodge Dominic Calvert-Lewin from the starting line-up.
Who is a better striker?
Watkins!
King!
Watkins was a force for Aston Villa last season with defenders never knowing how to defend against him with his pace to run in behind, accompanied with his ability to drop and carry the ball forward, but reports have suggested that he could be in line for a strike partner very soon.
Having a second striker like King who is proven in the Premier League and could be comfortable not being a regular started considering how he spent the second half of last season at Everton, and Howey believes that it would be a good signing for them as he spoke exclusively to This is Futbol:
“It didn’t quite work out for him at Everton as he didn’t get much game time with Calvert–Lewin and Richarlison there, so that was difficult for him, but ultimately he’s a free agent now so I think he would be a good signing for them.”
King, who was once hailed as “the complete package” by Eddie Howe, certainly proved that he was good enough during his five seasons in the Premier League with Bournemouth as he netted double figures twice which would put him in a good place to be a standout backup to Watkins.
It is not just Villa who could look to make a move for King as Newcastle United are reportedly set to be offered the striker who was on Steve Bruce’s shortlist last summer and has the same agent as club-record signing, Joelinton.