Watson won September’s Premier League 2 Player of the Month award after scoring three times in two matches for Chelsea’s Cobham Next Gen side. His five goals included a free-kick against Arsenal.
“I practise them quite a lot, but it was natural when I was younger. Once I started working on it with some coaches they have helped make them even better. It’s become a superpower of mine,” Watson told Chelsea’s official website.
Watson also made his senior breakthrough in September, starting Chelsea’s 6-3 Carabao Cup win over Leeds United and becoming the club’s youngest player to feature in the competition.
“It was a crazy moment. I was quite nervous the day before because I didn’t really know if I was going to play at all. Once I found out I was starting, I was kind of shocked, but confident.
“Walking out onto the pitch I got crazy goosebumps seeing all the fans and the atmosphere. Starting for Chelsea at 16 is such an honour, I think I was ready for it though.
“There are some big characters in the first team who help the young boys out and when you look around you see talented players everywhere. I was shocked because it’s like: ‘Wow, I’m playing with these players’.”
Watson said the senior team’s pre-season programme had been valuable, particularly the chance to train alongside established professionals.
“The first game I started and played the full game which I didn’t expect. Training sessions with the first team were very valuable.”
Watson also captained England Under-17s during the latest international window, facing the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Venezuela and Germany.
“It’s very competitive when you play for England, as you would expect playing for your country and playing against some top nations. It’s probably the biggest pride in football, captaining your country, it’s an honour,” he said.
Watson believes the demands of the Cobham Next Gen environment are helping him adjust to older opponents and the expectations of senior football.
“It’s very competitive and we have a good relationship on the pitch. It shows in games this season when we’ve gone behind and we’ve stepped up. It demands a high level every single day and being an overall complete player.”
He has been pleased with his own contribution and hopes to build on his goal return.
“I’ve been very pleased. Scoring five goals is quite nice, I don’t think I’ve scored that many in my life but hopefully we can just push on even more with some even better performances.”
The midfielder is eager to keep contributing as the campaign progresses.
“I’m very excited, I think we can get wins. I’m hoping for solid performances and maybe I can chip in with a few goals again,” he said. His target for the group is straightforward: to “win everything”.