Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins would thrive at his old club.
Watkins was on target against the Reds last month as he netted his 12th Premier League goal of the season to fire his side ahead at Anfield.
However, Mohamed Salah eventually restored parity 12 minutes after the break before Trent Alexander-Arnold struck in stoppage time to claim all three points for Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has now scored 15 goals in all competitions so far this season and recently made his England debut, scoring against San Marino off the bench.
And speaking ahead of Liverpool’s game against Villa at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp named Watkins as one of Villa’s dangermen.
He said: “They made some good signings - Watkins, to mention him, I think bringing (Ross) Barkley in helped as well. (Matty) Cash was a very good signing as well.
“So they are a really, really, really good side and good sides in the Premier League are immediately in contention for European spots - and yes, of course they are.”
And now Fowler believes that the Reds, along with Chelsea and Manchester City, should all have Watkins on their radar this summer.
“I look at him, and I see a striker who is prepared to learn, prepared to work. In fact, I spotted last year his work rate is incredible, and [Villa boss] Dean Smith says he’s the best pressing centre forward in the league,” he wrote in his Sunday Mirror column.
“To me that’s significant. Because what do the top teams want? A forward who performs a crucial pressing role. Manchester City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea. They all want a striker who performs the press with energy and intelligence, and does more than one job.
“Of course, they’d like one who scores too, but it’s not just about goalscoring any more. Far from it. Look at Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, look at City without a recognised number nine, and Chelsea sticking with Werner.
“I’m not trying to sell Watkins – honestly Villa fans! – but he’s taken the step up every time so far, and I can see him doing it again. To the very top level, if he can keep the trajectory of his work rate, attitude and mentality.”
Before Fowler continued: “Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp absolutely sang his praises a few weeks ago, and you can definitely see someone with his pressing ability – and the stats to go with it – doing well under that sort of manager.
“And believe me, clubs like City and Liverpool with their massive analytics departments will have run those stats many times already.
“Many people said the £28m Villa paid for Watkins was a gamble. Some said it was crazy. It looks neither now, and you wonder if it may just have been a shrewd investment.
“I think he’ll go to the Euros with England, and I think he’s ready to step up again.”
