Not a winger or a creative midfielder, but a center forward leads (jointly) the list of assist providers in the top five leagues. On Sunday, Ollie Watkins provided two assists once again.
Ollie Watkins' stellar performance against Bournemouth exemplifies his crucial role in Aston Villa's current campaign.
His dual assists in that game not only added valuable points to his team's tally but also propelled him to a leading position among the Premier League's most effective players this season. Now boasting a record of nineteen goals and twelve assists, Watkins has emerged as a central figure in Villa's attack, demonstrating versatility and a keen eye for goal.
His ascent in the assists leaderboard saw him surpass notable players like Pascal Gross and Kieran Trippier, emphasizing his exceptional playmaking skills. This achievement places him in a rare league of frontmen who can both score and set up goals with remarkable consistency.
Internationally, Watkins' performance aligns him with some of Europe's top talent. He shares the top spot for assists in the major European leagues with Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen, who has also made significant contributions to his team with twelve assists. This highlights an interesting trend where traditionally less focused positions for assists, like fullbacks and center forwards, are becoming more pivotal in team dynamics.
Elsewhere in Europe, the assist charts show diversity in player roles leading the statistics. In Spain, Álex Baena, a dynamic attacking midfielder from Villarreal, tops the chart with nine assists. Serie A showcases a trio of leaders with Paulo Dybala, Olivier Giroud, and Rafael Leão, all tied at eight assists, reflecting the competitive nature of playmaker roles across top teams. In France, the creative exploits of Ousmane Dembélé and Romain Del Castillo underline their importance to their respective teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Brest.
In terms of goal scoring, Watkins finds himself just behind the phenomenal Erling Haaland and the rising star Cole Palmer, both of whom have edged him out slightly with twenty goals this season in the Premier League. This positions Watkins not only as a key provider but also as a formidable scorer, underscoring his dual threat and integral role in Aston Villa's strategy as they compete at the highest levels of English football. His continued impact will be crucial as Villa aims to climb higher in the league standings and secure a successful finish to the season.
