Watford started the 2017/18 campaign in promising fashion before enduring a dip, which saw manager Marco Silva get sacked. The Hornets, who finished the season in 14th position under Javi Gracia, will be looking to improve next term.
There were a number of under-performers for Watford last season, however, these are the 3 players without whom they could do better in the upcoming season.
Stefano Okaka
It’s hard to fathom what the 28-year-old forward offered to the Watford team over the entirety of the 2017/18 season. In his 16 appearances for the club last term, Okaka managed to score just once.
Watford must have expected much more from the player when they signed him from Anderlecht in 2016. Okaka’s finishing ability is very weak and his hold up play isn’t great either.
Gracia should look to sell Okaka in the summer to free up wages and make way for a new arrival in the forward department.
Sebastian Prodl
The 30-year-old central defender hasn’t been able to be a leader in the defence for Watford, who were leaky at the back last season. Prodl often found himself out of position in situations where his team needed him to protect the goal. Even his tackling looked rushed at times as he was caught several times for mistimed challenges, which lead to dangerous situations for his team.
Despite being tall, Prodl fared poorly while dealing with aerial threats. His average of 2.1 aerial duels won per 90 minutes is underwhelming, to say the least. The defender also offered very little when going forward during set-piece situations.
Heurelho Gomes
The veteran goalkeeper has valuable experience of playing in the Premier League but he is way past his peak. At 37, the big Brazilian goalkeeper has lost his agility and reflexes.
Gomes is still capable of pulling off great saves at times but there are obvious shortcomings in his game, which were often exploited by other teams.
Gracia should be in the transfer market for a new and younger goalkeeper to make a solid difference between the sticks.
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