Watford winger Ismaila Sarr deserves credit for “knuckling down” after missing out on a move to Premier League champions Liverpool, Quest pundit Darren Bent said on Saturday’s EFL Highlights Show (13 February, 9pm).
It’s fair to say the Senegal international has been in the news this week.
On Thursday, Sarr’s agent dropped a bombshell that certainly got Liverpool fans talking.
Speaking to PanAfrican Football, Thierno Seydi claimed the 23-year-old was on the verge of sealing a January move to Anfield.
Sadio Mane was supposed to take his fellow Senegalese speed-machine house-hunting too – before a £35 million price tag eventually scuppered the deal.
However, if Watford’s record signing felt under pressure to deliver with all eyes fixed firmly in his direction during Saturday’s Championship clash with Bristol City, he certainly didn’t show it.
Sarr was the driving force behind a stunning 6-0 win, scoring twice and setting up another two for his grateful teammates.
The former Rennes winger hasn’t exactly sparkled in the second tier – but this was a reminder of the match-winning qualities he brings to the table.
“(Watford) are a team who have come down from the Premier League and managed to keep hold of their best players. Sarr was brilliant today – two assists, two goals, the pace as well,” said former England international Bent.
“He was a player who was linked to some of the biggest clubs in the world – Man United and Liverpool.
“So the fact he’s got his head down and is playing as well as he is at the minute is testament to the manager and the player himself for knuckling down.”
Sarr will need more performances like this, however, if he wants to convince Liverpool he would be £35 million well spent.
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