Watford defender Younes Kaboul has hailed West Ham attacker Michail Antonio.
Watford’s Heurelho Gomes saves from West Ham United’s Michail Antonio
Watford defender Younes Kaboul has told the Hertfordshire Mercury that West Ham United winger Michail Antonio is up with Jamie Vardy as the quickest player he has played against this season.
The Hornets hosted Slaven Bilic’s men on Saturday evening, with Watford leading from the third minute after Troy Deeney converted a penalty, with Cheikhou Kouyate bringing down Mauro Zarate.
However, West Ham claimed a point when Andre Ayew tapped home from close range, following up Michail Antonio’s shot, which had hit both posts before coming back out.
Antonio was later sent off for a second bookable offence, meaning his strong performance at Vicarage Road ended on a sour note after a handball.
The winger was pressed into playing up front after Andy Carroll was once ruled out through injury, and put in a committed performance full off effort and energy, with his blistering pace causing Watford no end of problems – particularly in the build-up to Ayew’s equaliser.
After eight goals and three assists in his first Premier League campaign last season, Antonio has the same record this term, and continues to serve as one of Bilic’s key players.
Watford’s Younes Kaboul looks dejected
Following Saturday’s game, Watford defender Younes Kaboul – who was left trailing behind Antonio on his way to goal for Ayew’s equaliser – was asked whether Antonio is the quickest player he’s faced this season.
The Frenchman told the Hertfordshire Mercury that Antonio is ‘very sharp’ and a ‘great player’, with only Leicester’s Jamie Vardy coming close in terms of pace from the Premier League players he has faced this season.
“The quickest this season? There’s been a few; Jamie Vardy is up there, he’s very sharp,” said Kaboul. “Antonio’s definitely up there. He’s very sharp. As soon as West Ham had the possibility to play the ball into the channels for him, he was always there and onside. He’s got a lot of desire, he’s a great player,” he added.
What did you think of Antonio’s performance against Watford?
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