With only four centre-backs on their books, the last thing Watford needed was an injury in the heart of the defence. Francisco Sierralta and Christian Kabasele picked up injuries against Leeds United, leaving the Hornets with just two fit centre-backs on their books at the conclusion of the match. Upon Claudio Ranieri’s arrival, the Watford hierarchy are wasting no time giving “the Tinkerman” what he wants. A move for centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou has now been completed.
Why Watford Signed Nicolas Nkoulou
Hornets Secure Transfer for Nicolas Nkoulou
On Thursday, Watford completed the signing of Nkoulou. As he was out of contract upon this past summer, signaling the conclusion of his contract with Torino, and Watford had only used 23 of 25 spots on their over-21 roster, he is able to play for the Hornets as soon as Ranieri wants him to.
Experienced Signing to Steady the Ship
Nkoulou is well-versed in Europe’s top divisions. Between successful spells with Monaco, Marseille, and Olympique Lyon, he accumulated 252 Ligue 1 appearances. He also made 122 Serie A appearances with Torino – playing under former Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri for two of his years with the Serie A side. Nkoulou also has 19 Champions League matches under his belt.
Nkoulou has additionally made 72 international appearances for Cameroon, scoring a goal in the final of AFCON 2017, putting Cameroon on their way to lifting the trophy.
Not only does the defender provide depth, for the experienced, talented defender has what it takes to claim a consistent starting role. Last season, in the Serie A, he was in the top 90th+ percentile for blocks per 90, interceptions per 90, and clearances per 90.
His match fitness remains to be seen, but the international break will provide him ample time to fit into the Watford squad. And, considering the entire squad is undergoing a restructure following the recent switch of head coach, the playing field is even for everyone when it comes to claiming a spot in the starting 11.
Alleviates Immediate Injury Concerns and More
The official Watford website confirmed both Sierralta and Kabasele picked up hamstring injuries in the club’s recent clash with Leeds. The former was substituted off for the latter in the second half, though the latter is expected to spend longer on the sidelines.
Even with the international break permitting time to recover, neither stand a realistic chance of returning for Ranieri’s first match in the dugout. Thus, for a clash against Liverpool, the Hornets would have had no other choice but to rely on Craig Cathcart and William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the defence for the difficult fixture, neither of who are in Hertfordshire during the international break as both are on international duty. Thus, in training, Ranieri would not have even had one centre-back to start to teach his system to.
Waiting until January to sign a new centre-back would have been a huge risk to take. Any other injuries to one of their current options and Watford would have been in a beyond-precarious position. Bringing in Nkoulou provides tremendous relief in that department, as well as providing firm starting competition for the rest of the season. None of the Hornets’ central defenders this campaign have been head-over-heels brilliant, so do not be surprised to see Nkoulou in the starting 11 on October 16.
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