Why Watford should hold on to Spanish winger Deulofeu

According to Evening Standard, Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu is being targeted by Italian outfit AC Milan.

However, the former Barcelona player has brushed off such talks, stating that he is happy and wishes to stay at Vicarage Road, as claimed by Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, relegation-threatened Watford have had the worst of starts, as they languish at the bottom of the table in the relegation zone.

Watford have won just one out of their 13 league games this season and are in contention to lose their spot in the English top-tier.

Only recently, they made a comeback to the Premier League after achieving promotion in 2014-15.

Watford were on an 11-game winless streak until they overcame bottom-placed Norwich City 2-0 before the international break. But since then, things have hardly changed for the Hornets.

Against the Canaries, Deulofeu scored the opener while Andre Gray added the second to register their side’s first win of the season.

Manager Quique Sanchez Flores’s side has been quite poor in front of the goal this season.  

Having managed a mere eight goals – the lowest by any side in the league -Watford’s attacking woes have been clearly exposed.

Meanwhile, Deulofeu, 25, was their star man in the league last season with 10 goals and 5 assists.

He also played a crucial role in their FA Cup campaign last year, helping them reach the finals but eventually, Watford lost to defending champions Manchester City.

Nevertheless, Watford have struggled for goals this season and so has Deulofeu. Despite that, he remains the side’s top goalscorer this season alongside Gray.

Known for creating chances upfront, Deulofeu is also his side’s top assist-provider, with 2 to his name in all competitions.

Though it has been a rather unfortunate start to the season for the Hornets and the Spaniard, there is no denying the 25-year-old’s potential. His exploits from last year are a clear indication of his talent and importance within the Watford camp.

A versatile attacker, Deulofeu often plays across the flank but can slot into any position up front, depending on the game’s requirements.

With 15 goals and 8 assists from 54 appearances, Deulofeu is crucial to Watford’s hopes of surviving in the league this season.

Barring Deulofeu, the rest of the squad has failed to perform and look completely out of sorts. Hence, it is necessary to retain the Spaniard at all costs.

Verdict

In a team of underperformers, the talented Deulofeu has often proven to be the only ray of hope for Quique. He has been one of Watford’s best players since arriving last year from Barcelona for £11.5m and there is no reason why they should let go of him.

Read more:

• Why Kim Min-Jae would be a good signing for Watford
• Why signing Philip Billing would usher in some hope for Watford
• Why Watford should go all out to sign Bastos from Lazio in January

Moreover, keeping him at Vicarage Road could prove to be vital to their chances of surviving in the top tier.