[article]Liverpool great Robbie Fowler won't be surprised if Jurgen Klopp makes a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Writing for the Mirror, Fowler declared: "I look at him, and I see a striker who is prepared to learn, prepared to work. In fact, I spotted last year his work rate is incredible, and Dean Smith says he's the best pressing centre forward in the league.
"To me that's significant. Because what do the top teams want? A forward who performs a crucial pressing role. Manchester City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea. They all want a striker who performs the press with energy and intelligence, and does more than one job.
"Of course, they'd like one who scores too, but it's not just about goalscoring any more. Far from it. Look at Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, look at City without a recognised number nine, and Chelsea sticking with Werner.
"I'm not trying to sell Watkins - honestly Villa fans! - but he's taken the step up every time so far, and I can see him doing it again. To the very top level, if he can keep the trajectory of his work rate, attitude and mentality.
"Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp absolutely sang his praises a few weeks ago, and you can definitely see someone with his pressing ability - and the stats to go with it - doing well under that sort of manager.
"And believe me, clubs like City and Liverpool with their massive analytics departments will have run those stats many times already."[/article]
Writing for the Mirror, Fowler declared: "I look at him, and I see a striker who is prepared to learn, prepared to work. In fact, I spotted last year his work rate is incredible, and Dean Smith says he's the best pressing centre forward in the league.
"To me that's significant. Because what do the top teams want? A forward who performs a crucial pressing role. Manchester City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea. They all want a striker who performs the press with energy and intelligence, and does more than one job.
"Of course, they'd like one who scores too, but it's not just about goalscoring any more. Far from it. Look at Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, look at City without a recognised number nine, and Chelsea sticking with Werner.
"I'm not trying to sell Watkins - honestly Villa fans! - but he's taken the step up every time so far, and I can see him doing it again. To the very top level, if he can keep the trajectory of his work rate, attitude and mentality.
"Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp absolutely sang his praises a few weeks ago, and you can definitely see someone with his pressing ability - and the stats to go with it - doing well under that sort of manager.
"And believe me, clubs like City and Liverpool with their massive analytics departments will have run those stats many times already."[/article]
