Watkins targets a new scoring legacy at Al Hilal after Mitrovic comparison

Ollie Watkins has challenged himself to match – and potentially surpass – the legacy Aleksandar Mitrovic created at Al Hilal after joining the Saudi Pro League club from Aston Villa during the current transfer window.

The England striker made his second appearance for Al Hilal in their 2-0 victory over Al Shabab in round five of the Saudi Pro League, although he was unable to add to his goals tally in the win.

Watkins acknowledged Mitrovic’s impact during his time with the Riyadh-based side but said he believed he could establish an equally significant record of his own, provided he received the necessary support from his team-mates.

“I watched what Mitrovic did with Al Hilal. He is certainly a great striker and has created a great history,” Watkins told the media.

“Every player has a different story, and I am capable of repeating that, or even surpassing him, provided my team-mates help me during the coming period.”

The comments have drawn attention because of the similarities between the two forwards’ moves to Al Hilal. Mitrovic joined the club from Fulham in the summer of 2023, while Watkins also arrived from England, signing from Aston Villa.

Watkins has already opened his Al Hilal account. He came on as a substitute in the club’s 3-0 victory over Al Ahli and scored the third goal with a header on his debut.

His appearance against Al Shabab was therefore his second for the club, but he did not find the net as Al Hilal secured another victory. The result allowed the new signing to experience a further competitive match with his team-mates as he continues to settle into his new surroundings.

Mitrovic’s previous record at Al Hilal has set a clear benchmark for Watkins. The Serbian striker’s contribution remains the reference point against which the English forward is already being assessed, despite Watkins having only just begun his time with the club.

Watkins’ message was not framed as a dismissal of Mitrovic’s achievements. Instead, he praised the former Al Hilal forward before setting out his own ambition: to replicate the level of success associated with Mitrovic and then go beyond it.

For now, Watkins has one goal from his opening two appearances, with his first coming from the bench against Al Ahli. His next priority will be continuing to build his relationship with the Al Hilal squad and converting that ambition into further goals as the Saudi Pro League season progresses.

The comparison between the two players is likely to remain a talking point because both moved to Al Hilal from English football. Watkins, however, insists his career at the club will be defined by his own story rather than by Mitrovic’s achievements.