Watford Opinion: Why Watford should make a move for Serie A star Karol Linetty

Despite losing first team star Richarlison at the start of the season, Watford are in good shape and are also in the race for a top seven spot. While they are behind only Wolves, the Hornets are level on points and behind on goal-difference, which will make all the difference at the end of the season.

Despite that, manager Javi Gracia needs to look towards the future and ensure that he adds another midfielder to his ranks, especially with the likes of Tom Cleverley and Etienne Capoue growing older.

Abdoulaye Doucoure was linked with a move to Chelsea (Football London) during the January window. While no move materialized, that should worry Gracia. That’s exactly why the former Malaga manager needs to add a midfielder to his team-sheet and it has to be Karol Linetty.

A Serie A star, the Polish midfielder is a lot like Doucoure, playing in a similar role for Sampdoria since his move. The Watford star’s defensive skills are top notch but it’s his offensive skills that need fine-tuning. Interestingly, that’s where Linetty shines.

The 24-year-old’s defensive nuance is at par with Doucoure and he’s better offensively. The diminutive central midfielder oozes creativity and is a tenacious operator of the ball when in position, making intelligent runs when without the ball.

However, Gracia prefers his midfielders to be of the box-to-box kind or at least one of them pairing Doucoure with either Capoue or Cleverly. That’s why Linetty would be perfect for the Hornets as his stamina and energy will allow him to effectively replace Doucoure in the near future.

However, while the Sampdoria man is an all-action midfielder, he does have his fair share of weaknesses. Tactical understanding was one but the move to the Serie A changed that, with him eventually making his debut for Poland at the age of 19.

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Conclusion

Like most players moving from one league to another, there will be questions as to whether or not Linetty can adjust to the physicality and high-octane style of football in England. But his mentality and tenacity will make that easier and with time, he could flourish under Javi Gracia’s tutelage, if Watford do make a move.