Etienne Capoue’s early season form has seen his side enjoy an impressive start but can Watford continue to get the best out of him?
Watford’s Etienne Capoue scores their third goal
It’s been a surprisingly successful start to the season for Etienne Capoue and his Watford side, who find themselves in mid-table early in the campaign.
Capoue has already netted four times this term despite only scoring 15 goals in his whole career before the season begun.
The Frenchman’s early stand-out performances have helped Watford maintain an attractive brand of football under new manager Water Mazzari. The Hornets have beaten Manchester United at home as well as pulling off a stunning comeback against West Ham, away from home.
However, their progress was halted last night by newly-promoted Burnley who took advantage of two set-piece situations to ensure all three points.
The loss brought criticism from captain Troy Deeney who highlighted that the points eluded them because they allowed themselves to be bullied at Turf Moor.
Watford’s Troy Deeney in action with Burnley’s Michael Keane
The loss was one of the few times this season the on-form Etienne Capoue has gone missing and only outlines why Watford need to keep him at his best.
Watford can’t ask for goals every week from the 28-year-old, that’s not a huge part of his game and it’s not what’s expected from a defensive midfielder but they need to give him the opportunity to take games by the scruff.
Watford’s Troy Deeney in action with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney
The former Spurs’ man has a ‘midfield enforcer’ style which is only backed-up by his technical ability and given the chance to make the game his own, he can do so with ease.
It didn’t work out for Capoue at Tottenham but he can become a real success at Watford by maintaining his early season form and replicating the way he played for French club Toulouse.
If Walter Mazzari can get that form from him and play in a way which benefits the French international, then Watford could find themselves in a very good position come May.
Can Walter Mazzarri get the best out of Etienne Capoue?
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