Watkins: Saudi surprise

Ollie Watkins admits he underestimated the standard of the Saudi Pro League after swapping Aston Villa for Al-Hilal, with the England striker impressed by the quality and physical demands of his new surroundings.

The 30-year-old has made an immediate impact in Riyadh, contributing five goals and five assists in eight league appearances. His assessment of the competition comes after testing himself in both domestic and Asian football since his summer move.

Speaking to reporters, in comments carried by winwin.com, Watkins said: “I was surprised by the quality of the clubs and the fundamentals.” He added: “I’m very happy to be here in Saudi Arabia.”

Watkins makes a fast start at Al-Hilal

Watkins’s league return amounts to ten direct goal involvements in his first eight appearances. He has also scored once in two AFC Champions League Elite outings, giving Simone Inzaghi a contribution from his new forward in both competitions.

Al-Hilal lead the Saudi Pro League with 30 points from 11 matches. Al-Qadsiah are two points behind after playing 12 games, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr also have 28 points from 11 fixtures.

That distinction in games played matters to the early title picture: Al-Hilal have a match in hand on Al-Qadsiah, but have played the same number as Al-Nassr. Watkins’s production has helped his new club establish that narrow advantage at the top.

The striker’s latest comments also follow his assessment after his September debut against Al-Ahli, when he highlighted the physical intensity and the calibre of the opposition. His experience of the league has challenged the expectations he brought with him from England.

From Aston Villa to Riyadh

Watkins joined Al-Hilal on 30 August for an undisclosed fee, with the deal reported to be worth around £51 million. He scored on his debut in a 3–0 victory over Al-Ahli in early September.

Asian Champions League test comes next

Al-Hilal’s next assignment is at home to Shabab Al Ahli on Tuesday 3 November in Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Watkins goes into that fixture looking to add to his first goal in the competition. For Inzaghi, the immediate task is to carry Al-Hilal’s domestic form into that continental meeting before attention returns to the league title race.