Despite starting the season brilliantly under their new manager, which saw them finishing the first-half of the season in the top-half of the table, the Hornets, unfortunately, couldn’t retain their form. Finally, they finished the league at the 17th position, just one above the relegation zone. It also ended quite disastrously for Walter Mazzarri as they suffered a thumping 5-0 loss against Manchester City at Vicarage Road in front of the home crowd.
Here the stars and duds from the squad-
Stars
Troy Deeney- The club legend was it again. Deeney was the best striker for the Hornets scoring 10 goals and assisting four times. His drift with the manager, Mazzarri, did see a slump in his form and Watford as a whole. He had a shot accuracy of 53% on average and Deeney led a spirited display against Arsenal at Emirates early this year.
M’baye Niang- The only thing Mazzarri could be credited will be his winter signings. While Mauro Zarate was injured even before he could start properly, Niang was definitely a hit. The Milan loanee started off instantly with a terrific display against Arsenal and although he couldn’t add to the scoresheet for more than two goals and two assists, he played a big role in Watford’s attack.
Younes Kaboul- Watford’s improved displays on the first half of the season was largely due to a solid backline led by this man. The French international could play only 23 times in the league with repeated injuries, where he scored twice. He has made 50 interceptions, 122 clearances and 11 blocks. His huge presence was definitely missed in the last few months.
Duds
Tom Cleverley- The Everton loanee was one of the star moves Mazzarri could manage early in the January transfer window. The English international was to play a crucial role in Watford’s second half of the season from the midfield but he was a disappointment. He could manage only 2 assists in 23 outings.
Sebastian Prodl- Watford had one of the most under-average sides in the league, quite similar to Burnley and one of the plans that Clarets executed better defended solidly. Mazzarri had mostly depended on his particular set of defenders for the most part of the season and Prodl was a regular. But, he couldn’t really keep up with Premier League’s pace. He has won 28 tackles this season with a success rate of 39%.
Stefano Okaka- Another hyped transfer that was a terrible failure for the Hornets is Okaka. Arriving from Belgian giants Anderlecht, big things were expected from him but he managed just four goals in 19 outings. Though he wasn’t a regular always he played a decent 954 minutes this season, which was enough to make an impression given is reputation.
