Watford’s January transfer window was more eventful than usual. Most of the fan focus went toward senior-squad transfers, such as Philip Zinckernagel and Dan Gosling arriving, and Etienne Capoue and Gerard Deulofeu departing. However, the Hornets did considerable youth investment – including signing Maurizio Pochettino.
Maurizio Pochettino Makes Watford Introduction
Debut in the U23 Squad for Maurizio Pochettino
Watford signed Pochettino as a player for the future. Their intention with him was for him to start with the youth ranks. They hope that in the near future, he will be able to break into the first-team. When Watford experiment with youth signings, the contracts they offer are typically for fewer than two seasons. Pochettino’s contract with Watford is for four seasons.
Watford’s U23s played against Ipswich Town’s U23s. The son of Mauricio Pochettino typically plays on the right-wing, although he can thrive on the left side of the pitch as well. The former Tottenham Hotspur youth scholar was given a starting spot, despite just signing earlier this week.
In the first half of play, Pochettino got his goalscoring account for the Hornets off the mark. As described by the Watford Official Twitter account, the Spaniard scored “an absolute stunner” to give the Hornets a 2-1 half-time lead. The Hornets went on to win the match 3-2, thanks to a second-half winner by Sonny Blu Lo-Everton.
Watford Emphasizing Focus on Youth
As is inevitable, fans focus on senior squad signings much more than youth additions. After all, Watford are not known for finding loads of talent from their U23 squad. However, that is something the club has been actively trying to change.
For the U23 squad, in addition to signing Pochettino, the Hornets also signed Henry Ochieng and Mitchel Bergkamp (the son of Arsenal legend, Dennis). Ochieng, who made his senior debut with Leyton Orient in 2016, also featured in the match. The Hornets also signed youngster Tiago Cukur in the January transfer window.
Pochettino knows his name comes with expectations. Early indications at Vicarage Road indicate he has the potential to become a star in the future.
Main Photo
