‘He has given us exactly what we needed’ – Cleverley on Ogbonna
Angelo Ogbonna’s stats in the 2-1 victory over Sunderland supported what was visible to the unaided eye, even though statistics don’t
often tell the whole story.
In addition to winning 100% of his tackles and 75% of his duels, the Italian defender also made seven clearances, three interceptions,
and a 96% pass completion percentage.
After a strong first Watford cup performance at Manchester City, the summer recruit made quite the home debut.
Tom Cleverley grinned and said, “Yeah, he has made an excellent introduction.”
“He’s been fantastic and exactly what we need.
“When I said we were sort of missing some Italian-style defending and being focussed, and weren’t valuing defensive actions, he has given us exactly what we needed.
“He has come in at a great time and we need to guide him through this week now.
“We will have to take care of someone who hasn’t played much or had a preseason if we ask them to play four games in ten days.”
“I’m really happy with his performance and his addition to the team.”
Watford supporters were treated to seeing Ryan Porteous in the role of right wing-back in the second half.
After the game, Cleverley discussed the adjustments he had made.
The Watford manager stated, “Festy was doing well for us but he said at half-time he was absolutely spent and he was on a booking.”
“His issue is he’s not played much football at all this season, and I could see his legs had gone after about 35 minutes.
He stated that he had perhaps ten or fifteen more in the tank at halftime.
“Yasser Larouci appeared fatigued and was in a similar situation, but Ryan Andrews wasn’t available today.
“We only had Porteous at right wing-back today because I couldn’t start Ken Sema there because Yasser needed to be changed as well.”
Fans should expect to see additional changes during games and in the starting lineup as there are still two games left this week.
We will need all 20 or 21 players in the squad this week, and I have stressed that point heavily, Cleverley stated.
“We had to use 16 today because these are crucial weeks where nine points are available.
“This week is very important for the direction our season is going to take.”
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