Watkins: The heat in Saudi Arabia is a new challenge and I will need to adapt

Ollie Watkins, the English forward for Al-Hilal, has acknowledged that he still needs to acclimatise to the hot weather in Saudi Arabia, following his participation in his second match for the team since his transfer from Aston Villa for £51 million.

Ollie Watkins participated as a starter for the first time with Al-Hilal against Al-Shabab, in a match that ended with his team winning 2-0. He played 88 minutes without being able to score, after netting in his debut during the victory over Al-Ahli 3-0.

The English forward stated that temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius affected the rhythm of the match, noting that the conditions are completely different from what he is used to in England, and that he needs some time to adapt to the weather.

Ollie Watkins added that the harmony with his new teammates, including Gabriel Martinelli and Crescentio Summerville, also needs some time, affirming that the most important thing for him right now is to achieve victories with Al-Hilal.

Watkins faces an additional challenge as he did not undergo a pre-season preparation, but he has expressed his ambition to score many goals with Al-Hilal and compete for titles with the team currently leading the Saudi Pro League after achieving five consecutive victories.