Dan Bardell: Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby partnership ‘really bright’, both set for double-figure seasons

We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…

Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby were the one bright spot in Aston Villa’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle and the pair will score “double figures” this season, according to Dan Bardell.

While Aston Villa were peppered against Newcastle and conceded five times, their attacking movement was impressive, especially the work of Watkins and Diaby who linked up for the Villans’ sole goal.

Diaby is arguably Emery’s most exciting summer signing, which is high praise considering Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans have joined the club too.

Bardell has tipped the duo to reach double figures each this season and improve each other’s game, while their performance was the “one positive” from the opening-day disappointment.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “That’s going to be Villa’s number-one strike duo this season. They looked really bright together, especially in the first half against Newcastle.

“Arguably they both should have scored in the first half too. As much as we had issues at the back, going forward we looked dangerous. Diaby. For his first-ever Premier League game, looked electric. He’s a hell of a player.

“Newcastle caused us problems because of their athleticism and power. But Diaby was causing them similar problems. He just looked an instant step-up to the type of player that Villa have had since they returned to the Premier League.

“The guy was in the France World Cup squad, and they have so many players to choose from. We know he’s a good player. He looks completely suited to the Premier League.

“It will help Watkins to have a little bit more pace on the wing. It will leave him less isolated when we’re not dominating.

“I expect Watkins to be a lot more dangerous on the break. Both of those players will get into double figures in the Premier League this season if they stay fit.

“That was the one positive from that game.