Why Prodl is Watford’s biggest summer signing

One player’s arrival to our favourite Hertfordshire club has particularly, and quite significantly in my opinion, slipped under the radar.

The unmistakable man mountain of a player that is Sebastian Prodl was whisked away to become Watford’s first signing in a situation which only most would dare conjure from your number one football computer game.

Since the Austrian’s signing, we have accrued some six players, most of an attacking nature. As we all know, media as a whole focus more on attacking players, as usually it is these players which provide the entertainment we itch and crave to see on a Saturday afternoon.

Sebastian will, and you can mark my words, become a huge reason why Watford will surpass high street bookmakers’ horrific prediction of the Golden Boys finishing 20th and actually ensure Premier League survival.

My theories are relatively similar and some could argue naive. Yet who can prove me wrong until this time next May. I want to highlight some Seb factors which prove to me why Watford have picked the best signing from the three promoted clubs.

Sebastian has copious amounts of experience in one of the top leagues in Europe. This includes 120 minutes in a UEFA Cup final, a feat not many professionals will counter.

Secondly it is no secret that Watford will be under the cosh for a fair proportion of the coming season. It’s only natural for a club of our stature and experience to expect this. Key to what I imagine will be our usual three in defence will be the towering figure of Sebastian. I have watched him before on a few occasions and what always impressed me was his ability to man mark, but also his ability to win anything within a five-metre radius.

Thirdly, although I do not know much about his character, I do get the feeling he is quite dogged in his approach. The sort not afraid to send someone tumbling if so required, which will collaborate wonderfully with fellow Watford giant Angella. The Italian is somewhat more of a gentle giant and is actually a very composed ball player. My hunch is this new defensive partnership could actually grow quite quickly and will surprise a few teams early on in the campaign.

Finally this apparent attitude I sense is the commitment and the leadership qualities his previous managers have spoken about. Watford last season I felt succeeded due to having the best strikers in the league. ‘Always had a goal in them’ is the kind of phrase we became associated with. That is meaning no disrespect to our defence. Cathcart in particular did a grand job. I also felt we were bailed out of jail with somehow signing Matthew Connolly from Cardiff. His six appearances and one goal came at the perfect time when Watford were really looking to ‘shut up shop’.

This season will of course be different. We will not have the best strike force in the league, even though I believe Deeney will soon get an England call-up. If Lambert can, then Deeney can, if you ask me!

We do have the opportunity to make a tough solid defence, one of which Stoke would be proud of. The signing of Prodl is an excellent coup and singles out the intelligence of the Pozzo family once again.

Good work Watford.