It has been another frantic summer for Watford. Just like they did last summer, the Hornets have stormed the transfer market this summer as well. With the season-long loan deal for versatile Chelsea starlet Kenedy, Walter Mazzarri have now signed as many as 12 players this summer. The Italian boss, who took the helm from Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores this summer, has more of less bolstered every department of his squad now.
Kenedy joined Chelsea from Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense last summer for around £7million and went on to make 20 appearances. However, new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was not particularly impressed with the 20-year-old and therefore he was made available on loan. This signing could prove to be a shrewd piece of business from Watford.
Versatility
Kenedy started his career as a forward at Fluminense. Thanks to his pace and incredible skills, he was often used as an inside forward. However, most of his Chelsea appearances last season was as a left-back as Baba Rahman struggled for form following his big-money move from Augsburg. The youngster largely benefitted under the stewardship of experienced Guus Hiddink who helped him improve on his defensive work.
With Kenedy, Watford are getting a player who can play as a number nine, as a number ten, on either flank or even as a left-back. Kenedy is more of a complete player with brilliant attacking and defensive work rate and could be an ideal candidate for the left wing-back position at Vicarage Road.
Walter Mazzarri had his success at Napoli using a 3-5-2 formation and the two wing-backs are largely instrumental in the Italian’s system. Even though Kenedy is not a player with an immense experience, he can prove to be a key player for Watford this season. Someone who has the lungs to go up and down the left flank, can make pin-point accurate crosses for the central players and has a willingness to contribute to the team.
Under Mazzarri, Kenedy can vastly improve tactically as a player, something he needs to impress Conte on the long run. Still only 20, age is on the Brazilian’s side but he has to make sure that he uses the opportunity he is getting. Kenedy to Watford on a season-loan looks like a very good deal for both Watford, Chelsea and the player himself.
