Although not very comfortable, Watford are still in a safe position in the league table. After spending most of their first half of the season in the top half, the Hornets have dwindled down the Premier League table and now it seems that finishing midtable could be their realistic target.
One of the lowest scoring sides in the Premier League this season, Watford’s first move in the winter transfer for a midfielder was very much understandable. Mazzarri doesn’t seem to trust his wide players and has always preferred a direct approach through the middle. And the lack of any quality midfielders in the squad has affected them heavily. They could create only 161 chances so far, which averages 7.32 per game.
It pretty much explains why the Hornets have managed to score only 25 goals in the first 22 games. And the fact that Cleverley had an instant impact on their game (his assist against Bournemouth), has now encouraged Mazzarri to go for yet another midfielder. According to Italian news outlet Gianlucadimarzio, Watford are eyeing a move for Palermo midfielder Robin Quaison.
Watford have been quite active in January with Cleverley already in and Fiorentina forward Mauro Zarate close to signing in a loan move. Quaison looks pretty much the next player to join them. The midfielder has already created ripples in Serie A, impressing one and all for the struggling Sicilians.
Although Sampdoria, one of Mazzarri’s former clubs, have also shown interest in the player, Watford looks to be in pole position to land him. The 23-year-old Swedish international moved to Palermo after beginning his career at AIK in his native Sweden. After struggling to find his feet in his first two seasons in Italy, he has scored four goals in 16 appearances this campaign. He made his Swedish debut at the age of 19 but has appeared just three more times for his country.
A central attacking midfielder by nature, Quaison can also play on the flanks and as a centre forward, a utility player as Mazzarri likes. He has attracted interest for his amazing dribbling ability and brilliantly controlled long shots. We expect Mazzarri to deploy him beside Cleverley in an advanced role behind the striker. Given Mazzarri’s penchant for a thick defence, we expect the Italian boss to reduce his striker to one to allow Quaison to play through the middle.
Watford plays Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in their next six games and a having a surprise weapon at his disposal could be a real advantage.
