A Hot Evening in Wycombe: Watford’s Pre-Season Woes and the Road Ahead
Watford’s performance at Wycombe Wanderers would have felt even more concerning had it not been for the hot and sunny weather that evening. While pre-season games are essentially training matches played in public, witnessing Watford being beaten and often outplayed by a home side that finished just above halfway in League One last season would have been grim in cold and wet conditions.
With just over 10 days to go until both sides begin their league campaigns, there is no reason why Wycombe should be any further ahead in their preparations than Watford. Despite the absence of several key players expected to feature at Millwall on August 10, the limp display by the Hornets highlighted major issues at both ends of the pitch.
Defensive Frailties
Watford have been too easy to score against in pre-season, conceding 17 times in seven games so far. While six of those goals came against Premier League Fulham, their only clean sheet was against National League South side Boreham Wood. Defensive lapses, such as those leading to Wycombe’s goals, cannot be ignored. Watford’s defense was twice beaten to loose balls in their own box, a problem that, if not addressed, will undoubtedly cost points in competitive league games.
Attacking Concerns
While shipping 17 goals this summer, Watford have scored nine in seven games, averaging 1.3 goals per game – the same rate as last season in the Championship. Comparing seven pre-season games to a 46-game league campaign might be stretching things a bit, but Watford currently does not look like a team overflowing with goals or posing a significant goal threat. After Giorgi Chakvetadze’s excellent opener in the 12th minute, on-target attempts of significance were hard to recall until Mileta Rajovic pulled one back 80 minutes later.
The Need for a No.9
A distinct, fresh shape and style is emerging under Tom Cleverley, but the lack of new faces in key positions is a glaring issue. The obvious problem is the lack of a No.9 who can fulfill the head coach’s and other players’ needs. Kwadwo Baah has done a decent job there, especially considering he’s converting from being a winger and has only played 66 hours of senior football in his career. However, it would be an indictment of the club’s recruitment if Watford kicked off the season with a 21-year-old winger without a minute of playing experience for the club leading the line on the opening day.
Watford needs a No.9 who can hold the ball up, bring others into play, and has the skill and mobility to turn, run, get in behind, and drag defenders around. In his brief cameo last night, Mileta Rajovic didn’t offer that, although he did score from close range, a feat he accomplished 11 times last season. However, the lack of a single assist in 43 appearances for Watford is a telling statistic.
Midfield and Attacking Options
Despite the issues up front, Watford appears to have the options they need in the No.10 position to make the most of a suitable foil. Chakvetadze looked every inch the player he appeared at the Euro 24 finals, running at defenders, jinking left and right, and generally making the home rearguard backtrack. Tom Ince has shown he can do an intelligent job in that role, and Rocco Vata (who missed last night through illness) has displayed how exciting he is. Should the rumors of Yaser Asprilla’s departure be incorrect, he is made for the role.
Promising Youngsters
Watford’s pre-season has also seen the emergence of several promising youngsters. Academy player Amin Nabizada, who turned 17 last month, represents the future. If Watford are to return to the club where homegrown talent was considered good enough and old enough, players like Nabizada must be given their chance and support.
Midfielder Leo Ramirez-Espain has also impressed this summer, demanding the ball, confident about it, and willing to take responsibility. Although he found Wycombe’s aggressive approach challenging, good coaching and more game time can help him adapt. Defender James Clarridge, who joined from Nottingham Forest in February, has looked composed and competent in the first team during pre-season and could provide an option in an area where the club might otherwise have had to look to the transfer market.
The Wing-Back Dilemma
However, there is a notable gap at left wing-back. James Morris, a more traditional full-back, has given his best in the more attacking role, but it’s clearly not his forte. Ken Sema is a more natural fit but missed last night’s game after rolling his ankle in training, and last season saw him spend more time in the treatment room than ever before. The wing-back position is key to the 3-4-2-1 formation Cleverley wants to play, creating space on the flanks to attack but also requiring defensive discipline.
Cleverley’s Response
Encouragingly, Cleverley didn’t shy away from expressing his disappointment in the performance and highlighting where things fell short of his expectations. It’s always a good sign when a head coach acknowledges the issues the fans and analysts see and is prepared to address them. He also emphasized the need to do more transfer business before the window shuts at 11 pm on August 30.
A poor performance in a 3-2 away defeat at Wycombe in pre-season is not going to make or break the season. However, a lack of reaction from the club to the issues, gaps, and shortcomings would. As the season approaches, Watford must address their defensive frailties, find a suitable No.9, and ensure they have the depth and quality needed in key positions to compete effectively.
