By
Brentford boss Thomas Frank says he does not regret selling Ollie Watkins to Saturday’s Premier League opponents Aston Villa.
Villa signed Watkins for a club record £28million in September 2020 and the England forward is enjoying his best season in the top flight.
His 11 goals in his last 12 games have helped fuel Villa’s run of form for European football, but Frank said the Bees’ decision to sell him was right for both the London club and the player.
Brentford gaffer Frank told a press conference: “There are 10 clubs in the world, maybe fewer, that don’t sell clubs.
“We are a club that will sell players if we are offered the right price and when it is the right step for player development.
“The day we didn’t get promoted (after losing to Fulham in the 2020 play-off final), the next step was for Ollie to go to the Premier League.
«I would love to work with him, but right now I have the privilege of working with another fantastic striker (Ivan Toney).»
Toney has scored 18 league goals for the Bees this season – trailing only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane – compared to Watkins’ 14.
«They’re both great players and characters,» Frank said. “I’ve worked with Ollie for three years and I’ve enjoyed it and now I’ve also been working with Ivan for almost three years.
“They’re a little different types, but they both know how to play the number nine. They are quite similar. Their link-up game is very good and they are both excellent goalscorers.»
Frank knows better than anyone how to stop Watkins’ scorching scoring streak, which helped Villa to a five-game winning streak.
“When you spend time with people, you tend to build a relationship with them, and I’m so glad Ollie is okay,” Frank said.
“He scores a lot of goals and I think he has what it takes to be a regular top scorer in the Premier League.
“I am very aware that we have to do our best to close it. Also, can we stop the rest of the players from providing him with good crosses and back balls?
“He’s now on a streak of games when he’s confident in everything he’s doing. Some of the targets that maybe shouldn’t be entering are entering. It’s in a great place.
The Bees are looking to snap a five-game winless run, from which they have picked up just two points, and currently sit seven points behind Villa in ninth.
READ MORE: Top scorers in 2023: Aston Villa, West Ham goal boosts list after tormenting Man Utd
