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Ollie Watkins' contributions to a new look Villa side are underestimated. With an xG of 8.86 and 6 goals so far in the league, he has been extremely unlucky not to have increased his tally in claret and blue, but goals aren't all he brings to this side.
In his first 13 premier league starts he has applied pressure to opponents 192 times with 38.5% of them leading to a loss of possession within 5 seconds. Compared to forwards with similar roles such as Firmino who applied pressure 203 times with a success rate of 26.1%.
His passing ability also goes unnoticed, whilst already providing 2 assists he on average produces 1.23 key passes leading to a shot each game, compared to Harry Kane (10 assists) who is widely regarded as one of the best passing forwards in the Premier League with 1.54.
The graphic ( http://understated.com ) shows a comparison of Watkins and arguably the most inform striker in the league in Everton's Calvert-Lewin. Expected goals per 90 minutes (xG90) shows similar values (0.66 to DCL's 0.7).
Watkins' involvement in games incapsulates the playing styles of some of the best forwards in the league. With a higher expected goals rate than actual goals, it suggests he has been somewhat unlucky so far. Eventually his luck will turn and more goals will follow. #avfc
