The Deeney Drought

Ask anyone to name a current Watford footballer and they will most likely respond with Troy Deeney. The reason I’m so confident with this assertion is that for the past three seasons, Deeney has been at the forefront of everything Watford. Talismanic. Occasionally troublesome. Usually tremendous.

I couldn’t wait to see Troy unleashed on the Premier League. He’s got exponentially better since his arrival from Walsall, writing himself into Hornets history by becoming the first Watford player to score more than 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. I was confident that his midas touch would be seamlessly transferred to the top flight. Six games in, he’s yet to score.

Watford look to have hit their stride, recording back to back wins against Swansea and Newcastle which came on the heels of creditable draws against Everton, West Brom and Southampton.The only time the Hornets have failed to register a point has been away at Manchester City; arguably one of the most predictable results of the season. Whilst Watford have racked up the points however, Deeney’s goals column has remained blank. So should we be worried? Has Troy been found out? Do the Vicarage Road faithful need to start looking for a new hero?

Do they heck.

To measure Troy Deeney in something as trivial as goals scored is to massively misunderstand the man. There’s so much more to Watford’s captain than mere statistics, and whilst some observers might question the impact he is having in the top flight, his value to the Hornets has never been higher.

Let’s start with the goals Watford have scored. Strike partner Odion Ighalo (who incidentally has scored more goals during 2015 than anyone else in the top four divisions) has claimed Watford’s last three strikes, each time benefitting directly from a Troy Deeney intervention. The solitary goal against Swansea may have looked like a straightforward finish for the Nigerian, but it was made so by a sublime, cushioned header from Deeney, who steered the ball expertly into Ighalo’s path. The accuracy of the header meant it was almost impossible for him to miss. Most recently, Deeney’s cute pass and incisive through ball set up both goals in the victory at Newcastle - scored by Ighalo, crafted by the captain.

Watford haven’t won a game by more than a single goal margin yet this season, so it’s fair to suggest the fixtures so far have been tight. With so little to choose between teams at the top level, commitment, effort and work rate is key and Deeney offers all three in abundance. He gives all he has, all the time. Chasing down backpasses, harassing defenders, thundering into tackles, helping out at the back. Just watching him in action is exhausting, such are the lung-busting nature of his 90 minute performances. The fact he is able to deliver such consistently barnstorming displays is testament to his commitment to his profession. Troy know’s the standards he’s set himself are dependant on him being as fit as possible, and regular extra training during the summer break is just one small example of his willingness to do whatever it takes to deliver for both himself and his club.

Anyone who follows Deeney on social media will know that he’s a bit of a character. Larger than life and displaying a definite penchant for mischief, there’s no missing Troy Deeney when he’s around. It’s not all fun and games, though. Club captain is a role he takes seriously and there can be no underestimating the galvanising, inspirational effect that the Birmingham born striker has on the rest of the squad. He tirelessly and enthusiastically fulfils his media duties, often going above and beyond what’s required of him. He responds to supporters on social media and has probably signed more autographs and posed for more photographs than it’s possible to count. During last season’s promotion push, Troy was at the forefront of a campaign to keep Nic Cruwys, injured in an unprovoked and vicious attack in Wolverhampton, at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing of course. Deeney’s indiscretions have been well documented and culminated in a prison sentence. By his own admission he acted foolishly and is only too aware that he’s lucky to have been given a second chance. Luck has nothing to do with his journey back from the brink, though. He’s worked hard on and off the pitch to be a Premier League footballer and he deserves his shot at the big time.

Deeney is hugely important to Watford, and it’s very clear that Watford is important to him, too.

Goals? You don’t need goals. Not when you’re Troy Deeney.