Watford have expectantly plummeted down the Premier League table in the second half of the season as it comes to closure in a few weeks. After a string of brilliant displays in the first half, when Walter Mazzarri’s side got almost everything right, the Italian manager had an eye-catching winter shopping bringing in some highly-rated talents. But, things haven’t gone their way.
One cannot deny Mazzarri of his ability to take an under-average defence and getting some unexpected results against big teams. Ultimately, of course, it was the back line that brought them down.
The Hornets have conceded a whopping 52 goals so far and are really lucky to hold on to the 10th place in the league table. Teams like Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Stoke City have conceded lesser than that and are closer to the relegation zone.
While a lot of additions are expected to strengthen their back line, one of the main positions that needs a fresh approach is under the bar. Watford’s first-choice shot-stopper, Heurelho Gomes, has been maddeningly inconsistent.
He has conceded a staggering 48 goals so far in 31 outings and at 36, he is not getting any better. Mazzarri is expected to let him go at the end of the season.
The other options of Costel Pantilimon and Giedrius Arlauskis have hardly got any chance. While Pantilimon has made 5 appearances in all competitions, which include the league, FA Cup and EFL Cup, conceding six goals, Arlauskis has seen no action so far. It clearly shows the under confidence, the boss has on the back-ups.
According to reports, Watford are eyeing a move for Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, whom they have been targeting for a long time with no success so far. The Serie A shot-stopper has been one of the assuring figures in the Italian league conceding 36 goals in 29 appearances.
The composed displays of the Greek international has earned him many suitors with Napoli being one of them. Though he has been Udinese’s first choice so far, the emergence of fan favourite, Simone Scuffet, could well show him the bench next season.
Scuffet is only 20 and a number of clubs are vying for his signature making Udinese extremely cautious about their star asset.
This surely raises doubts for Karnezis and with increased clubs coming after him, he might just want to consider. Mazzarri holds a good reputation in Italy, which is one of the main reasons Karnezis just might prefer him over Napoli.
