'Exceptional' - Aston Villa star 'ahead of' Erling Haaland in bold Rangers figure claim

Two Aston Villa players have earned lavish praise from one of the key figures in the game.
Jordan Jones
By Jordan Jones
Published 24th Apr 2024, 15:56 BST
Ally McCoist(r) put praise on to two Aston Villa players. He cast a big prediction for EURO 2024. Ally McCoist(r) put praise on to two Aston Villa players. He cast a big prediction for EURO 2024.
Ally McCoist(r) put praise on to two Aston Villa players. He cast a big prediction for EURO 2024.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland right now according to Ally McCoist.

Watkins is one of the most in-form strikers in England and in Europe right now. He is spearheading the Villains push for a Champions League spot as well as their run in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

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The 28-year-old is a contender for the Premier League Player of the Year though he may be overlooked. Watkins has notched up three goals and two assists in his last three matches after returning from injury after missing the defeat to Man City.

He is just one goal shy of Haaland and Cole Palmer in the race for the Golden Boot. Watkins has more goal contributions than them both this term however with 31 compared to Palmer's 9 and Haaland's 25.

"On current form, you’d probably say Ollie Watkins,” said McCoist to Squawka.

“His form’s been exceptional. Erling Haaland looks as though his form’s dipped a little bit, which is understandable. Guys like [Phil] Foden have been tremendous, Cole Palmer absolutely out of this world.

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“But if you talk about centre forwards, only centre forwards, it’s Watkins. Right now, immediately as we speak, confirmed, is probably ahead of [Ivan] Toney and Haaland for me. Maybe a month ago I might have had Ivan Toney ahead of him in Gareth (Southgate)’s thoughts for the Euros if he’s only taking two."

McCoist’s praise for Aston Villa and their players did not stop there. Scotland will compete in the European Championship’s this summer against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary. It is their second major tournament out of the last three after qualifying for EURO 2020 but missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 61-year-old who played for Sunderland as well as going from a player to a manager at Rangers was keen to praise one of his fellow countrymen. He picked out a Villa player that has missed just three games this term, all through suspension.

“The one that I am really looking forward to seeing is John McGinn,” added McCoist.

“I think John McGinn is a player who’s capable of starring in any arena. I think he epitomises Scottish spirit."

Related topics:Ollie WatkinsErling HaalandManchester CityEurosChampions League

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