Ollie Watkins has spoken highly of the Saudi Pro League after making a successful debut for Al-Hilal, insisting the standard of football he has encountered is comparable to what he experienced in England.

The England striker joined the Riyadh-based club from Aston Villa in a reported £51 million transfer, signing a three-year contract after six seasons at Villa Park.

Watkins wasted little time making an impression with his new side, finding the net as Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ahli 3-0 on Tuesday. Following the game, the 30-year-old said he was impressed by the intensity and physical demands of the competition.

He also dismissed suggestions that the Saudi league lacks the quality of Europe’s leading competitions, arguing that the match against Al-Ahli demonstrated a high level of football.

Watkins arrived in Saudi Arabia after an impressive spell with Villa, scoring 108 goals in 278 appearances. He also became the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer, registering 91 goals in the competition.

The forward believes Al-Hilal can challenge for major honours, pointing to the strength of the squad and the club’s performances against top opposition.

Al-Hilal boast several high-profile names, including Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou, while Crysencio Summerville is also part of the squad.

Watkins has also thanked Aston Villa supporters for his time at the club, saying his six years in Birmingham helped shape both his football career and his personal development.