Watkins names unsung Aston Villa teammate as Europa League final standout | OneFootball

Ollie Watkins has praised the ‘man of the match’ performance from Aston Villa teammate Victor Lindelof in the Europa League final.

Aston Villa beat SC Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul on Wednesday night to win the Europa League and seal a first major trophy since 1996.

Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed an emphatic European success for Unai Emery’s team, with the Spanish coach winning the competition for a record-extending fifth time.

Watkins was keen to heap praise on Lindelof, who has emerged as an unlikely hero of Aston Villa’s run-in. The Swedish centre-back was signed on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer and has started just 10 games in the Premier League this season.

However, he has flourished in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role in recent weeks, as Vila have dealt with the absences of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana.

Watkins was keen to recognise Lindelof and said the 31-year-old was his pick for man of the match.

“Victor, as well. he’s come in and played in midfield over the last four or five games and he’s been unbelievable,” the England forward said.

“My man of the match today, Victor. Big shout out to him, he’s been unreal.”

Read – Watkins says Europa League win ‘indescribable’ feeling

See more – Five of the most memorable Europa League finals

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