Name: Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernandez Suarez
Club: Watford
Date of Birth: 22 April 1999
Position: Centre-forward, Winger
Cucho Hernandez – his career so far
Another Colombian striker on Watford’s books is Juan Camilo Hernandez Suarez, more commonly known out there in the world of football as “Cucho”. The now 21-year-old centre-forward is currently out on loan at RCD Mallorca in the Spanish league but could make his grand return to England sooner rather than later, depending on how the outside world circumstances develop amidst the recent outbreak.
Born in Pereira, Cucho became a very prominent name in his home town, playing for the local team and winning trophies for Depertivo Pereira while also scoring 23 goals across a total of 52 games since he joined the club at the age of only 15. Not long after that, he was scouted and signed by Watford, who then decided to send him out on loan to America de Cali where he would play 17 games and score once in the process as well.
In 2017/18, the Hornets decided to send the young forward on another loan to get more game time and experience and Huesca ended up becoming the highlight of his young career as the now 21-year-old played a total of 70 games for them across multiple seasons, scoring 20 goals and also assisting further nine as well.
Following that stint, Cucho shortly returned to England in the summer of 2019 but was immediately sent out on one final loan, this time to RCD Mallorca where he is currently plying his trade.
The loan was supposed to end in the coming summer but we’ll have to wait and see what happens with the youngster in regards to all the outside circumstances. So far, he’s played a total of 14 games, scoring twice and assisting one in the process as well.
Interestingly enough, even though he was signed by the Hornets back in 2017, Cucho is yet to tally a single game for Watford so he’s very much an unknown quantity for the Premier League side.
But if his recent stints are anything to go by, the young Colombian has the talent and the potential to succeed in the near future.
Transfer latest
At the moment, the biggest piece of Watford news that should be coming out of the camp should concern Cucho’s immediate future at the club. The player signed a new contract before going out on loan but we still don’t know what’s next in line for the striker.
However, in some of the more recent transfer news, the 21-year-old has admitted in an interview that Watford are counting on him in the future, which could indicate that he will prolong his stay and could finally tally some minutes for his parent club.
But he also updated the fans on social media that he won’t be leaving Mallorca between now and the end of the season, suggesting that he aims to finish his loan spell and not return prematurely.
Player profile
One of Cucho’s biggest strengths is definitely his sheer versatility. Even though he is a centre-forward by nature, the Colombian has the quality and the skill set to be deployed out wide when necessary as well.
And despite being only 21 years of age, Cucho can boast with great decision making and both on and off the ball movement that definitely seems quite advanced for his age. His ability to beat the opposition in a direct duel should also be noted as he has the technique and the speed to make great use of isolated scenarios in the final third.
But he is also quite good on the ball and has that dose of creativity to set up his teammates and link up well in and around the opposition’s box.
About the Author
