Tom Cleverley sends an honest message to four Watford FC players: “Don’t take it personally”.
Watford FC have made a strong start to the new Championship season under Tom Cleverley, following a summer that threatened to ruin the club.
The Hornets were able to develop their roster before the August 30 deadline, and their efforts have paid off with some spectacular outcomes. However, Cleverley has had to use extreme caution while managing his team.
Festy Ebosele, who joined Watford on loan before the window closed, has exacerbated the new manager’s wing-back selection issues.
The former Manchester United footballer turned manager has already altered his starting XI several times this season, and with his club fielding a three-center-back defensive formation, the situation on the flanks has had the potential to spin out of control.
However, Cleverley has allayed concerns about his wing-backs’ lack of minutes by outlining to the press how he wants to use them.
Cleverley informs his players that they will get game-time.
This season, Ebosele, Ken Sema, Ryan Andrews, and Yasser Larouchi are expected to be the most used wide players for Watford. However, due to rivalry for spots, this foursome may face limited playing time.
Nonetheless, their management informed them that tasks will be divided during the campaign to assist address any fitness difficulties and keep everyone fresh.
Cleverley told The Watford Observer that it is the most physically demanding component of their team.
“I spoke with all four of them and informed them that they are three full internationals and one Under-20 international, which is the wealth I have in those positions.
“Don’t take it personally if you are getting changed at 60 minutes, it’s nothing to do with performance,” he went on:
“It’s a position that we can really freshen up, and it’s a challenging one to perform.
“It suits our squad to have four such strong options and I thought there was a positive impact from all the subs again.”
| Watford FC’s Four Wing-Backs Appearances for the Hornets (TransferMarkt)* | |
|---|---|
| Festy Ebosele | 1 |
| Ken Sema | 165 |
| Ryan Andrews | 58 |
| Yasser Larouci | 5 |
| *Stats correct as of 19/09/2024 | |
Cleverley’s statements indicate that there is no room for Jeremy Ngakia.
Cleverley left out one player from the conversation: Jeremy Ngakia, who started the first two games of the season on the left side.
However, he was taken off at half-time against Stoke City and has not appeared on the bench since.
The 24-year-old was a doubt for the Hornets’ next encounter against Derby County, and although no additional news concerning his probable injury, he appears to have been left in the dark since the arrival of Ebosele.
Ngakia signed a three-year contract at Vicarage Road after Tino Livramento was sold. However, the current performances of the four fit wing-backs may prevent him from becoming a bench player in the near future.
Nonetheless, in the 120 minutes he has played this season, the former West Ham United player has demonstrated his abilities, despite playing on the other side of his natural right.
Ngakia appears to be an afterthought at Watford due to intense competition for spots. However, the other wing-backs’ concerns about their position in the team have been alleviated.
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