I voted for the FWA Award and picked Aston Villa man over Phil Foden and Declan Rice – here’s why

talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino has explained why Ollie Watkins was his pick for the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Footballer of the Year.

Manchester City star Phil Foden was named the winner of the award this week, with Arsenal man Declan Rice second and Rodri third.

All three players have enjoyed excellent seasons for their respective clubs, with both City and Arsenal Premier League title contenders.

However, Watkins has been also been crucial for Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and got former Chelsea striker Cascarino’s vote.

Speaking on GameDay Breakfast, he revealed his thinking behind the decision when reflecting on how the top three are from first and second in the Premier League.

“They’ve all had great seasons, but I still think Ollie Watkins would still be my number one. I think what he’s done this year, and he hasn’t taken a penalty, his assists, his goals, his consistency has been extraordinary.

“I think that’s the reason why… if we said at the start of the season Man City would win the league or be definitely first or second, that’s obvious.

“Arsenal, we pretty much felt with the signing of Declan Rice that they would go really well again and improve on last year, that’s happened.

“Did we think that Villa could come fourth? No chance, how many people thought Villa could come fourth?

“Villa are a good team, they’re a good side, I know they had a poor defeat in midweek [against Olympiacos] but they are a very united side, the way they play, you feel that unity between the players. I think Ollie Watkins has been their outstanding player.”

Watkins has scored 19 goals in the Premier League for Villa so far this season, putting him fourth in the race for the Golden Boot.

He has also assisted a further 12 goals for his teammates and sits top for overall contributions in the English top-flight on 31.

As a result, the 28-year-old looks set to be called up to the England squad for Euro 2024 this summer, a reward for a fine individual campaign at club level.

Villa are currently fourth and seven points ahead of Tottenham in the race for Champions League football with three games left to play.

Achieving such a finish would see them return to the pinnacle of European football for the first time since 1983, with Watkins playing a huge role in the achievement.