Upon promotion from the Premier League, Watford only had one senior left-back: Adam Masina. A reinforcement in that position was expected to arrive, and the Hornets wasted no time bringing in starting competition. Following a link to Hibernian’s Josh Doig, the club opted to sign Tottenham’s Danny Rose instead. Despite fitness being a concern due to his absence from first-team football in the 2020/21 season, Rose already has a path into the starting 11.
Adam Masina Versus Danny Rose: Who Should Start for Watford?
Adam Masina Underwhelming So Far
In both Watford’s opening-day victory against Aston Villa and their defeat at Brighton, Masina was one of the Hornets’ poorer performers. Against Aston Villa, he conceded a penalty thanks to lazy defending late on in the match to give Dean Smith’s side a late lifeline. On the south coast, he lost his marker on a corner to concede the opening goal and was frequently caught out of position and misplaced many passes.
His performances have raised concerns about whether he should consistently start in the Premier League. Despite being one of the Championship’s best left-backs last season after missing the first half of the campaign, the step back up to the top flight has hit hard. With a two-time PFA Premier League Team of the Year left-back hungry for action awaiting his opportunity, starting chances for Masina may soon grow few and far between.
Danny Rose Impressed in Pre-Season and Carabao Cup Clash
Rose, now-31-years, old, made his first Watford debut in 2009. His second competitive debut for Watford came in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace, where he put in a solid performance.
In pre-season, he especially stood out. Despite not playing any first-team football last season due to a well-documented fallout with Jose Mourinho, he appeared up to pace. His football IQ, positioning, and vision was as good as ever, even if fitness is still a question mark.
Contrasting Playing Styles
Rose and Masina are different types of left-backs. Masina is more defensive-minded and less adventurous, which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on the flow of the match and the opposition. If a less-progressive right-back is starting (such as when the Hornets start Craig Cathcart, naturally a center-back, at right-back), then having a deep-lying left-back makes sense to keep a good balance within the backline.
Rose is a player whose footballing knowledge/mind is frequently applauded. In his best days at Tottenham, he became known for his trademark runs forward and vision to start threatening attacks, mainly through the wing. So, simply stated, Rose is much better when it comes to wide overlaps and vision in attacking phases of play. If Masina is the perfect match for Cathcart, then Rose is the perfect match Kiko Femenia, Watford’s right-back who lit up the Championship through his overlaps and interplay with Sarr.
If started in the Premier League, Rose will be able to occupy the attacking wide positions, leading to Cucho Hernandez and Emmanuel Dennis, if lined up on the left-wing, to play effectively as inverted left-wingers (as both are right-footed). And, of course, Rose is still a very talented defender when at full fitness.
Verdict: Watford Must Prepare for Change
The left-back spot is still Masina’s to lose following his impressive 2020/21. However, with Rose impressing so far under Xisco Munoz and Masina starting the season slowly, an overtaking in the starting 11 could soon be on the cards, especially if Rose’s fitness is no longer a concern.
Furthermore, if the Hornets ever decide to revert to a back three formation, Masina could be used as a left-footed centre-back with Rose as the wing-back. Although unlikely, in this scenario there is not a matter of ‘one or the other’. But overall, Masina should be prepared to sacrifice his starting spot if current trends continue.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
