MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Porteous of Watford during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on September 24, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Watford have had a mixed start to the season, with Tom Cleverley’s side sitting just outside the play-offs as they face Middlesbrough this weekend.
Cleverley’s men are coming off the back of a disappointing showing versus Preston North End, being dismantled 3-0 by Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Before this, they grabbed a significant 2-1 victory versus then unbeaten Sunderland at Vicarage Road, and will be looking to replicate the same home performance versus Boro.
The Hornets know a victory against their fellow promotion rivals could give them a real boost in their pursuit of a play-off push, so Cleverley will have to think wisely about what side he’s going to put out.
FLW’s Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, has suggested one change that should stay changed for the foreseeable future.
Imran Louza has endured a rollercoaster of a time with the Hornets and, after a lacklustre performance in Preston, he’s not convinced this fan about his showings, and his verdict is decided.
“I can’t see what he contributes” – Honest Watford claim ahead of Middlesbrough clashWatford fans
Louza has now entered his fourth season with Watford after signing from French outfit Nantes for a fee of £8.5 million in 2021.
The midfielder has shown glimmers throughout his career with the Hornets, but has suffered set-backs with injuries.
FLW’s Watford fan pundit, Justin Beattie, weighs in more on the cons of the Moroccan, claiming he shouldn’t even be anywhere near Cleverley’s starting eleven.
“One change I’d make for the fixture versus Middlesbrough is to not have Imran Louza in the team.
“I can’t honestly see what he contributes, he doesn’t look as if he’s even enjoying his time at Watford, he doesn’t seem to want to commit himself in any way.
“Now, he did have injuries, maybe he’s adversed to getting injured again, but really during his time at Vicarage Road, I can’t really remember anything he’s done, other than a decent goal against Blackpool several seasons ago. Since then, nothing.
“I think my one change would be to keep Louza as far away from the squad as possible.
Injuries have affected Louza, but his performances aren’t up to scratch
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Since making the move to Hertfordshire, Louza has barely made 50 appearances across the four seasons he’s been associated with the club.
A loan move to Lorient last season could possibly have suggested the Moroccan would be departing the Hornets this summer, but he’s remained at Vicarage Road and is slowly getting back to fitness following his latest injury to his back.
Adding to this, his recent performances in Watford colours haven’t set the world a light, and judging by Justin’s view, frustration is growing surrounding the midfielder’s place in the squad.
Louza has shown sparks in his Watford tenure. During the 2022/23 Championship season, he provided a real threat in the number ten role, through playmaking and finding the back of the net himself.
