Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scored against Fulham on Sunday

Feyenoord manager and Premier League legend Robin van Persie has praised Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash.

Villa travel to De Kuip aiming for their second win in the competition, having started their European campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bologna last week.

Unai Emery’s side then followed up their first win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Fulham on Sunday.

Watkins, who had failed to score in his previous seven Premier League appearances, opened his account for the season by equalising for Villa before half-time.

He came off the bench against Bologna last Thursday, with Emery opting to start Donyell Malen as the striker. Watkins later won a penalty after coming on, though he missed the spot-kick.

When asked what he admires most about Watkins’ game, Van Persie said: “I think his runs, the way he moves. He is really direct as a striker and has a really good feel for space.

“He is fast, technical, and in the box is where his qualities lay. He will...