Three hopes, one fear: Watford FC
By Sean Maslin
Hope #1: That Roberto Pereyra can spark Watford’s attack.
Pereyra, 25, became Watford’s most expensive transfer signing in club history this offseason when he inked a deal with the side for reportedly 13 million pounds. The Argentine international played for Udinese for six seasons which may be where Watford management saw something in him.
While Pereyra showed some potential with Udinese he never really truly lived up to his potential with Juventus. In 69 appearances with Juve he would score just six goals and would fall out favor late in the 2015-2016 season. That being said, he did find some success as a winger with Juve coach Massimilliano Allegri using him more or less on counter-attacks and for crosses into the box.
With Watford Pereyra will be called upon to be the main focus on the attacking. He possesses a really good first touch that can often get opponents out of position. His finishing is also above average as evidenced by his brilliant strike against Arsenal last week.
The question is how he will work with Troy Deeney (15 goals in 2015-2016) and Odion Ighalo (15 goals) on the attack. Mazzarri may take a page out of Allegri’s book and place Pereyra out wide, giving him a chance to send in long crosses and take shots from distance. It may be the perfect spot for him to get his legs back (he played in just 16 matches for Juve last season) and get acclimated to the Premier League. No matter where he plays, he gives Mazzarri some depth up top which should help come the tough stretches in the winter.
Next: Hope #2: That they will have another standout year on defense