Gabby Agbonlahor heaps praises on Villa’s star after monstrous display vs Lille to grab the needed win

Gabby Agbonlahor’s ‘World’s Best’ Claim on Ollie Watkins Leaves TalkSPORT Crew Stunned After Lille Heroics

Aston Villa edged out a gritty 1-0 first-leg victory over Lille in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 on Wednesday night, March 12, 2026, and Ollie Watkins was the undisputed hero. The England striker, who had gone goalless since the end of January, rose highest in the 61st minute to power home a towering header from a long ball, securing Unai Emery’s 100th win as Villa boss and giving the Premier League side a precious advantage to take back to Villa Park for the return leg on March 19.

The goal capped an impressive all-round display from Watkins, who led the line with relentless movement and aerial dominance against a stubborn Ligue 1 outfit. But it was the post-match reaction on TalkSPORT that truly stole the headlines.

Former Villa striker and regular pundit Gabby Agbonlahor joined the drive-time show and immediately launched into extraordinary praise. “Ollie Watkins is at world-best level right now – he’s the best striker on the planet!” Agbonlahor declared live on air. The claim was so bold that the studio crew fell silent for a split second before erupting in laughter and disbelief. Co-hosts exchanged wide-eyed glances, with one chuckling, “Gabby, you can’t be serious – world’s best after one header in France?”

Agbonlahor refused to back down. “I’m telling you, the movement, the finish, the way he bosses that box… no one is doing it better. He’s operating on a different planet,” he insisted, doubling down on his “bizarre” assessment. Fans flooded social media with a mix of amusement and agreement, while rival supporters branded it pure bias.

Watkins’ strike ended a frustrating spell and reignited his England claims ahead of the summer. Emery’s men now hold the edge in the tie, and if Agbonlahor’s hype is even half-right, Villa could be heading deep into Europe this season.One thing’s certain: after tonight’s heroics, Ollie Watkins has everyone talking – even if Gabby’s “world’s best” shout raised more eyebrows than the goal itself.