Way Too Early Candidates for Watford's Player of the Season Award

​Watford looked destined for relegation until new appointment Nigel Pearson came in as their third manager of the season and turned the club's fortunes around. 

Since Pearson replaced Quique Sanchez Flores, the Hornets have impressively only lost twice in the league. They currently sit in the relegation zone, but safety is a lot closer than it was before his arrival.

Nigel Pearson

So despite the squad only turning up in the last couple of months, we can still make some good guesses at who could win Watford's player of the season award. 

Without further ado, let's get crackin'.


Gerard Deulofeu 

Gerard Deulofeu

Probably the most exciting player in the team, Deulofeu has been vital to ​Watford this season. In the league, the tricky winger has four goals and four assists, an impressive tally considering how poor the team were in the first few months.

Moreover, the Spaniard can play on the wing or as a striker and filled in well during Troy Deeney's injury absence. His dribbling skills make him a dangerous player and he has the ability to produce top class finishes, like his sublime curler against Wolves in the FA Cup semi final last season.

He is Watford's bright spark and could very likely be player of the season if he can increase his goal contributions.


Ben Foster

Ben Foster

It is not often a goalkeeper is mentioned in terms of a team's best player, but that is exactly what Foster has been this season. The 36-year-old has been brilliant for the Hornets and has pulled off some spectacular saves in the last few months.

In December, the former ​Manchester United keeper won the club's player of the month award as well as being nominated for the league's monthly award too. He also holds the joint-most clean sheets in the league this season with eight. Considering Watford are 19th, that makes that stat even more impressive.

There is no doubt that Watford would be struggling a lot more than they are now if they didn't have Foster between the sticks and so he is a very strong candidate for player of the season. 


Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney

Watford's main man had been out with a long-term knee injury when he returned to action in November. Since then, the big striker has scored five times in the league.

His presence itself lifts the rest of the squad, and as captain he is a commanding leader who demands maximum effort from every player in the team. Having a good relationship with the manager will only benefit him as he tries to keep the club he's played for since 2010 in the Premier League.

If he can keep scoring and save Watford from relegation, there's no reason why Deeney shouldn't win this award. Unless someone else plays better than him, of course.


Abdoulaye Doucoure 

Abdoulaye Doucoure

It was a battle between Etienne Capoue and Doucoure for this spot, with the number 16 just getting the nod. The Frenchman has played slightly further forward this season which has allowed to him to impact the game higher up the pitch. 

To get three goals is a respectable amount, especially if you take into account Watford's horrific start to the season. His power and strength are valuable assets and he's played the second most amount of minutes for the team in the league this season, with only Foster bettering him. 

Doucs - his affectionate training ground name - will be in strong contention for the player of the season if he can consistently put in good performances and keep giving Watford that much-needed steel in midfield. 



Source : 90min