Troy Deeney sets the record straight after Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins gives him a cheeky look
Troy Deeney has clarified comments he made about Ollie Watkins after the Aston Villa star leveled a cheeky criticism at him.
Former Watford and Birmingham striker Deeney claimed Watkins was “a winger trying to be a striker” and that the 28-year-old failed to convince him in one-on-one duels.
Deeney went on to say that he would opt for Brentford. Ivan Toney on Watkins when choosing his England squad for Euro 2024.
In response to Deeney's claimWatkins celebrated his goal in Aston Villa's 2-0 win over Arsenal last weekend by posting on Instagram with the caption: “Not bad for a winger trying to be a striker.”
To no one who can be denied the last word, Deeney addressed the Aston Villa forward's post and clarified his previous comments.
“So I should,” Deeney told talkSPORT when asked about Watkins' criticism of him. “The good thing about this is that when you really listen, I said it's not a negative thing. So when you look at Exeter and BrentfordWhere did you play? To the left of a three.
“When did he play up front as an absolute striker? This season for Villa.
“So it's not negative and remember what we've done very well is forget what the question was: 'Would you take Ivan (Toney) or would you take Ollie' (to the Euros)?
“I know both guys and I personally said I would take Ivan. I have more confidence in Iván to overcome the one-on-one to finish.
“I also warned him afterwards saying I would take care of Ollie. Mark Rashford.”
When asked how many forwards he would take to Germany this summer, Deeney mentioned Watkins among the Premier League's two in-form forwards as a back-up to the captain. Harry Kane.
“I would choose three forwards,” he added. “Kane Ivan, Ollie, that would be the three.”
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“Ollie has decided to respond to me, no problem, that's what he should do. I've seen Ollie 20 or 30 times. Everyone thinks I have this vendetta against people, it's just my opinion.
“You are allowed to have an opinion and you are also allowed to disagree with my opinion. What I find funny is that you just beat Arsenal in a huge game and you want to talk about me.
“It's clear that I have to say something halfway decent because no one can say that what I say is wrong because, in reality, he is a left winger who now plays as a striker.”
Deeney believes the negative way his opinion of Watkins has been taken is due to his affiliation with the club.
The 35-year-old is a strong supporter of Villa's rivals Birmingham City and claims that is the main reason why his words were taken out of context.
“It's because I'm a Birmingham City fan and it's just lazy journalism. But if you look, I've written five columns this year about Aston Villa and how good they have been. It pains me to say it but they have been good.”
