Determined Deeney at the Forefront of Watford's Survival Bid

Adlene Guedioura’s thunderbolt on Sunday may have secured Watford’s place in the next round of the FA Cup, but it was Troy Deeney’s overall performance that courted most attention. As Arsenal crashed out of the competition ensuring a new name will be engraved of the trophy this year, the Hornets skipper was at the forefront of their best attacking moves. 

Deeney was awarded the WhoScored man of the match award for his efforts, gaining a rating of 8.52 in the process, an impressive return for any player facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Watford were always going to be up against it in north London as their possession (29%) suggests. Nevertheless, Deeney did not let the occasion get the better of him. The 27-year-old worked tirelessly off the ball for his side, making four tackles over the 90 minutes as he helped defend from the front. 

His commendable hold up play was also evident, with the striker holding off Mertesacker superbly before Guedioura could rifle past David Ospina. This encounter was not an isolated incident either, though. Deeney has been a consistent performer for Watford following their return to the Premier League, with the attacker offering more than just brute force in the final third.  

Deeney has won more aerial duels (179) than any other player in the Premier League this season, reinforcing his statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘aerial duels’. His bullying tactics help put defenders off their stride, which in turn allows teammates to run in behind the burly frontman provided he knocks the ball on successfully. There is, though, more to the Englishman’s game than just sheer power. 

As clichéd at term as it may be, Deeney boasts a good touch for a big man. This means he is able to mix up his game in attack. If defenders come close he can knock on for teammates, but if given the space; he can bring the ball down successfully before turning and facing the opposition goal. As such, he is then able to exhibit the creative side of his game in England’s top tier, with the attacker averaging more key passes per game (1.6) than any other Watford player this season. 

It’s culminated in a total of six league assists this season; only Roberto Firmino (7) has registered more of all strikers in England’s top tier this term. Notably, though, is that all six of his assists in the top-flight of English football this campaign have culminated in an Odion Ighalo goal, currently the joint-best assist to goalscorer combination in the Premier League.  

The partnership between the two attackers played a vital role in Watford’s promotion in the first place. While the pair may have been tipped to struggle to replicate their Championship form in the Premier League, both Deeney and Ighalo have stepped their game up sufficiently to help Watford all-but consolidate their place among England’s best teams. Deeney’s performances in the Premier League mean he is currently Watford’s best-rated player with a rating of 7.24. 

His above heatmap goes to show how effective a performer he is for Watford. Fans of the Hornets will testify to his quality, but those who had rarely seen Deeney prior to Watford’s promotion will have been suitably impressed at just what he brings to Flores’ side. Not one to simply remain in one spot over the 90 minutes, Deeney is one who will drop deeper to assist with the midfield, either to win the ball or help rob the opposition of possession. 

An average of 50.1 touches per game, not to mention an average of 1.3 tackles in the Premier League, further highlights his willingness to help the defence and midfield, reinforcing his WhoScored strength of 'defensive contribution'. Having registered 2559 of Watford 2610 minutes of top-flight action this season (98%), Deeney’s work rate simply cannot be called into question, with his fitness levels higher than perhaps some would give him credit for. 

Watford may not be safe from the drop coming into the final stretch of the season, but a 12-point gap between themselves and 18th-placed Norwich suggests it would take a major downturn in form for Flores’ side to be drawn into the relegation battle. With the influential Deeney leading effectively from the front, though, one expects Watford to be plying their trade in the Premier League this season, with their captain - from the perspective of non-Watford fans - playing an unheralded role in this achievement.

Have you been impressed by Troy Deeney following Watford promotion to the Premier League? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below