Balancing Strikers: Unai Emery’s Tactical Approach with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran
Premier League Museum Admin 
Unai Emery
Unai Emery knew better than anyone what FPL managers went through on a match-by-match basis as he decided the lineup for Aston Villa, considering his options for starting strikers. Despite having two of the most feared goal-getters, Emery had initially opted to start Ollie Watkins, with Jhon Duran often providing a reliable option from the bench. However, Duran had started the last three games successfully, leading Emery to meet with Watkins to assure him of his importance to the team.
Unai Emery said “I spoke with him [Watkins] about the important player he is in the squad, sometimes playing or sometimes not playing, like in the last games, for different circumstances.”
Emery also wanted to emphasize the collective and tactical contributions required from his players, noting that Watkins consistently delivered such performances. Meanwhile, his focus remained on maximizing the individual performances of both players.
Unai Emery said “Collectively, as well, I need from the players tactical work. Of course, Ollie Watkins is always doing it. Now my challenge is to try and get the best of them individually.”
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