Ollie Watkins was named Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at the club’s End of Season Awards Dinner.
Aston Villa’s No.11 has been in superb form during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 27 goals in 52 appearances, and he collected the awards during a prestigious ceremony in the Lower Grounds at Villa Park.
Players and staff from Villa’s men’s and women’s teams, as well as the club’s Academy, joined supporters, partners and hosts Jason Mohammad and Katharine Merry in celebrating the highlights of the current campaign.
Recognition from his peers and fans comes on the back of a stellar season for the 28-year-old, who can become the first Villan to score 20 goals in a Premier League season if he scores against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But it’s not just Watkins’ ability to find the net which has drawn widespread praise for the forward, he also leads the top flight in assists (13) – three more than any other player.
Goal of the Season went to Jhon Durán for his sublime strike against Crystal Palace at Villa Park in September.
After coming on as a substitute against the Eagles, the 20-year-old took a cross down on his chest and let it bounce before sending a rasping half-volley flying past Sam Johnstone.
The goal showed all of the Colombian’s technical ability as well as the awareness and composure to set himself up for a shot on goal while under pressure from a defender.
Durán’s strike made it 1-1 and acted as the springboard for Villa to surge to a 3-1 victory.
There was also recognition for Emi Martínez on the back of his personal achievements.
Villa’s No.1 was officially recognised as the best goalkeeper in the world during the 2023/24 campaign when he was named as the winner of the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris in October.
Martínez also placed 15th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or after being recognised by players from across the world.
The accolade added to Martínez’s glittering CV, which includes The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award and World Cup Golden Glove Award in 2022.
The 31-year-old set a national team record during the current season after going 622 minutes without conceding for Argentina.
Martínez has also enjoyed another strong season at club level, passing the 150-appearance mark for Villa.
