Why Watford should go all out to sign Djene Dakonam

According to the Daily Express, Premier League trio Watford, West Ham and Leicester City are interested in Getafe centre-back Djene Dakonam.

Djene Dakonam, 27, burst onto the scene with a fantastic 2018/19 season in the La Liga, helping Getafe qualify for the Europa League after spending much of the campaign in the top four. His impressive performances at the back have attracted interest from the Premier League.

Leicester City view the Togo defender as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, while West Ham seemingly want the 27-year-old to strengthen their options at the back following a disappointing season.

Watford, meanwhile, finished 11^th in the table after spending much of the 2018/19 challenging for a top 8 finish. It meant that they would have no European football next season and that is a massive blow.

Thus, it’s the Hornets that should win the race for the signing of Djene Dakonam as Javi Gracia looks to put a squad together capable of doing well in the Premier League next year.

Watford have already moved to shore up their defence with the addition of Craig Dawson from West Brom. But they need more strength in defensive depth to realistically challenge for a place in top-seven and maybe play European football.

 With only a week left for the transfer window to close down, the changes need to happen fast and Gracia would do a sensible job by signing Dakonam.

A defensive rock, Dakonam flourishes as a centre-back using a combination of old-school defending and modern-day ball playing. He is also adept playing at right-back when required and such kind of versatility would give Gracia options at the back.

Standing at 5ft 10in, the Togolese neither is the most physical of defenders nor a commanding presence that can constantly win aerial duels but he compensates it with his agility, speed and tackling traits. No stranger to physical football, Dakonam thrives in that situation and it’s why the Premier League would love him.

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An aggressive defender with incredible passing attributes, Dakonam is largely about pace and power, although he would be expected to improve on his positioning under Gracia.

Verdict

£18 million looks like a bargain in this day and age and that said, Watford shouldn’t hesitate to splash the cash on Dakonam as they aim to break into the top seven next term.