Both Watford and Liverpool have made brilliant starts to their respective seasons, with the former being one of the surprises of the season as they have shot up to seventh in the table.
Over the summer Liverpool brought in some serious quality to the side as the board backed Jurgen Klopp in the transfer market and brought in the likes of Naby Keita and Fabinho to strengthen the midfield.
Key to Watford’s success so far this season has been the form of their powerful midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucore.
Fabinho
Signed for £43.7 million over the summer, Fabinho hasn’t had the best of starts to life on Merseyside and as of yet hasn’t found a rhythm.
He’s started the last three matches in the league for the side after missing the first eight games of the season but overall it’s taken time for the 24-year-old to adapt to his new side. If he can show the form he showed during his time in the south of France, Liverpool could finally have their midfield rock.
Played as a midfielder and as a right-back during his time in Ligue 1, Fabinho excelled at breaking up attacks and was a constant presence in a side that loved to attack.
At the moment, he hasn’t quite fitted in but over time we should see a player that will be essential to Liverpool’s title hunt.
TT Grade: B
Abdoulaye Doucore
A powerful midfielder, Doucoure had a very impressive season last year and was arguably one of the most underrated players in the league.
The Hornets signed the midfielder from French side, Rennes two years ago for a reported £8 million fee and so far it looks as though they’ve pulled off a superb piece of business.
It took him time to bed during his first season at the club but last year, he emerged as one of the better players in the team as he scored seven goals while also creating a further four.
This year he’s already registered four assists and is becoming a player that can basically do it all for his side.
Considering how much Watford paid for him, this deal looks superb and Doucoure is going to be crucial in the club’s search for a top-eight finish.
TT grade: B+
The Verdict
Fabinho has the potential to be the missing piece in the puzzle for Liverpool. For years, Liverpool haven’t had a midfielder who can sit in and do a defensive job which allows the forwards to burst forward.
However, given that he hasn’t had the best of starts to his Liverpool career, Doucoure wins this one. He can basically do it all and the fee Watford paid was pocket money in terms of his ability.
