Watford have had an extremely busy post-promotion transfer window, and their business might not even be finished. Amongst Watford’s double-digit number of arrivals this summer, the signing of Ashley Fletcher is arguably the most bizarre. However, after a solid preseason and goal-scoring performance in the Carabao Cup, does Fletcher have a surprisingly important role at Vicarage Road?
The Curious Case of Ashley Fletcher and How He Will Fit In at Watford
Turbulent Pre-Watford Career
The former Manchester United youngster was one of the most exciting attacking prospects a few years ago, even breaking into the England U20 squad. However, between patches of bad form and injury, his career stuttered.
After signing for West Ham in 2016 for free, he made the move to Middlesbrough one year later in a £6.6 million transfer. The now-25-year-old went on to make 109 appearances for them in all competitions, scoring 28 times.
His best season in North Yorkshire was the 2019/20 campaign, where he went on to score 13 goals and provide seven assists across all competitions. Last campaign, despite only playing 15 times due to a long-lasting hamstring injury, he scored four goals.
The transfer to Watford was questionable, despite him arriving for free. Even though he started to find form while fit for Middlesbrough, it was still evident that the high expectations for Fletcher were far from being met.
Nonetheless, the Hornets took the gamble on him to freshen up their attacking-depth ranks. And, even though Fletcher may not start many – if any – Premier League matches, he still might have an important role to play.
Impressed in Pre-Season and Carabao Cup
In the Hornets’ closed-door friendlies, Fletcher played a big role, starting a noteworthy number of matches. He scored goals in the Hornets’ 4-0 victory over Doncaster and in a 3-2 win against Millwall. He also assisted Ken Sema in front of fans in a 1-1 preseason draw at Stevenage.
His inclusion in the starting eleven in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace was noteworthy, but not necessarily a shock. The tall forward lined up on the right-wing, drifting inside well in the dying stages of the match to volley a Cucho Hernandez cross into the back of the net.
Even if he is not standing out apart from his goal contributions, his impressive output, even in these low-stake matches, is hard to ignore.
Ashley Fletcher Given Interesting Role at Watford
Again, Fletcher is unlikely to break into the starting eleven in the league considering the likes of Joshua King and Emmanuel Dennis arrived this summer, Cucho returned from loan, and Joao Pedro is soon coming back from injury.
However, having a versatile option such as Fletcher to use off of the bench may prove to be very useful late on in matches. He provides height and a fresh eye for goal. If Troy Deeney is to depart, Fletcher provides an adequately similar type of combative forward if that is what Xisco Munoz is looking for in a given match.
As was the case Tuesday, Fletcher’s main contributions – for now at least – will likely come in cup competitions. The Hornets need to focus on avoiding relegation primarily, but if Fletcher is able to help fire the club deep into a tournament while not sacrificing league points by over-committing consistent starters, then who knows what can happen.
Maybe dreaming of getting back to Wembley can come into touching distance. After all, Watford unexpectedly made it all the way to the FA Cup Final in 2019.
Of course, if Fletcher continues to do well when given his chances, then considerable league minutes could be in the cards. The worst-case scenario is that the free transfer does not pay off, and that is not of any considerable financial harm to the Hornets.
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