Watford Opinions: Mathias Olivera is the ideal replacement for Holebas

Watford are enjoying an excellent season in the Premier League this time around after their rather disappointing 14th place finish last season. This season, they have looked a changed side with the fire-power to threaten some of the biggest teams in the league.

They currently find themselves in a commendable 7th place, level on points with newly promoted Wolves in 8th and behind a 6th-placed Chelsea side by an almost unassailable 10 points.

Their current league position will fill the Hornets’ fans with a lot of confidence for the seasons to come as they seem to have built a pretty strong squad with talented players like Ken Sema, Roberto Pereyra and Gerard Deulofeu acting as the core of this group.

Even in the defence, Craig Cathcart and Adrian Mariappa have both been top-class this season, limiting the number of goals they’ve conceded this campaign to a respectable 35. 

With this said, there are certain players who have become integral to the functionality of this talented team. Names like Troy Deeney, Ettienne Capoue, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jose Holebas are often heard resonating around Vicarage Road. 

The latter of the aforementioned names – Jose Holebas is a Greek left-back who has arguably been their most influential and important player this campaign. He has shown off his quality on multiple occasions this campaign and without, the look like a team that’s lacking. 

A major concern for manager Javi Gracia will be the fact Holebas is going to be 35 at the start of the next season. Although they have Italian Adam Masina as an alternative, going into a competition as demanding as the Premier League with only one realistic option would be massive blunder. 

A quick splurge in the transfer market in the summer can solve this issue and they need to look no further than the La Liga. Getafe left-back Mathias Olivera is the player that Gracia should set his eyes on come the end of the season. 

The 21-year-old has been in fine form for Getafe’s reserve side this campaign and has played 4 times for the first-team in the league, impressing heavily on each occasion.

His movement and understanding of play highlighted his level of maturity while his physical build is also excellent for a youngster.

Read More Watford News, Click here: Watford News

His skill-set suits the Premier League picture and while he is still only 21, some good coaching from the Watford staff is enough to convert him into a top-quality player and with a mentor like Holebas at his disposal, he can only get better from here.