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Watford’s run in the ongoing Premier League season has surprised many as the team has put in some spirited performances. Manager Javi Gracia will be hoping his side continues its fine run of form in the season going ahead.
Watford currently sits at the 7th position in the points table with 32 points. Gracia will be hoping his team finishes in the top 8, which will help the team qualify for next season’s Europa League.
Watford FC has surely been a surprise package in the ongoing season and cannot be taken lightly because of their unpredictability. They won their FA cup game against Woking on 6th January with a 2-0 scoreline which might have done their confidence a world of good.
They have looked a much better team in every department as compared to the previous season. Manager Gracia has also handled the team quite well.
Watford has looked a determined outfit under Gracia and have looked strong physically as well as mentally. They seem like a competitive outfit and it will be up to the players to play with a positive attitude. The team needs to keep producing collective efforts so as to challenge some of the big guns of English football. Watford has some exceptional players in their camp who have played a crucial role for the team in the ongoing season. We take a look at five such players who have impressed the most in the ongoing season.
#5 Jose Holebas
Jose Holebas has been one of the most consistent performers for Watford. The Greek has played an influential role for Javi Gracia’s side as the 34-year-old has manned Watford’s defense with authority. Holebas has also showcased his strength and his ability to keep the ball in possession with his intelligent moves.
In the ongoing season, Holebas has also scored 3 goals in 19 games with 6 assists to his name. The former AS Roma player can also be used as an attacking option which adds variety in this Watford outfit. His presence adds a lot of intensity in Watford’s defense and manager Javi Gracia will be hoping the defender keeps on performing to the team’s cause.
Holebas is that kind of player who is ready for the toughest of challenges as the defender has always looked solid when it comes to his ability to keep the ball in possession. He has also combined well with the midfield. Holebas has shown his ability to counter the best attacks with his brave interceptions.
#4 Roberto Pereyra
Roberto Pereyra has been the mainstay of Watford’s midfield. The 28-year-old has a vast amount of experience of playing against some of the heavyweights of European football which has helped the team understand the opposition’s game. The Argentine is technically strong and has shown that he can play offensively as well as defensively.
The former Juventus player has netted 6 goals in 22 Premier League games in the ongoing season with 2 assists to his name. Pereyra is also considered a tricky player because of his ability to build up play with his clever passes. The midfielder has also shown his efficiency during set pieces.
Pereyra can evade the best defenses with his intelligent moves. Pereyra has also enjoyed Javi Gracia’s confidence and his presence has made Watford's midfield robust. Pereyra also adds a lot of bite in the team as the Argentine has highlighted his class during pressure situations.
#3 Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s presence has added a lot of pace in Watford’s midfield set up. The 26-year-old can outrun any opposition on his day with his powerful runs and electric counter attacks. The Frenchman has shown that he can be a dangerous player because of his ability to play offensively as well as defensively.
The midfielder is also known for his unpredictability which at times can catch the opposition off guard. Doucoure has looked deadly inside the box because of his magnificent finishes. The former Rennes player has registered 3 goals in 22 games in the ongoing Premier League season with 5 assists to his name.
Doucoure has also been a tricky player because of his ability to evade the opposition’s defense with his speed and control, and has been too hot to handle. Known for his ability to give a hundred percent on the field, Doucoure has been a crucial link in Watford’s midfield.
#2 Gerard Deulofeu
Gerard Deulofeu is considered to be one of the most gifted players in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has looked sharp with his swift moves and his ability to outclass the opposition’s defense with his skillful dribbles.
The striker has got the ability to move forward with his aggressive runs and has showcased his quality by working efficiently in the flanks. The former Barcelona player has scored 3 goals in 15 Premier League games in the ongoing season with 3 assists to his name.
The Spaniard has also shown his creativity during set pieces. He has worked well with the midfield and his partnership with Troy Deeney will surely be an important factor for Watford in the upcoming matches.
Deulofeu has been the X-Factor for Watford. The Spaniard’s presence adds a lot of energy in the squad. He has performed quite well during crunch situations. Deulofeu has shown his willingness to learn more which is helping him improve as a player.
#1 Troy Deeney
Troy Deeney has been an influential figure in Watford’s forward line. The skipper has worked well with the midfield and his ability to score goals and create chances with his clever runs has troubled the best defenses. The 30-year-old has been a constant threat inside the box because of his pace and skillful moves. Deeney has also shown his ability to win aerial duels.
The striker has scored 5 goals in 19 games with 2 assists to his name in the ongoing Premier League season. Deeney has always played a supporting role for some of the younger players of the squad, which manager Gracia thinks has helped the team grow.
His combination with the likes of Andre Gray and Gerard Deulofeu in the forward line has also looked good. Deeney’s coordination with the midfield has looked sharp, and his role as a leader will be crucial for the side’s chances in the upcoming matches.
