Louza and Dele-Bashiru 'controlled the game for large parts'
It was little more than 100 days ago that Imran Louza was so far out of the first-team picture he ended up playing 70 minutes for the Under-21s against Colchester.
The Moroccan international featured in just two of the first dozen Championship games of the season, and one of those was the dreadful 3-0 defeat at Preston.
Having spent the back end of the 2023/24 campaign out on loan in France, there was some surprise the midfielder was still at Watford when the current campaign started and only 91 minutes of league action in the first two and a half months suggested he was set to be a peripheral figure.
Wind forward to yesterday, and Louza not only scored a stunning goal which so nearly earned the Hornets a victory at Sunderland, but he also partnered with Tom Dele-Bashiru at the heart of the midfield to almost totally quell the attacking threat of the home side.
“I’ve not watched the goal back yet but Imran’s got that in his locker,” said Tom Cleverley.
“He’s been outstanding since he came into the team two or three months ago.
“The side to Imran that people don’t see is he’s played through pain a lot recently.
“He’s really showed character and leadership skills.
“That was an excellent strike today, and he’s capable of that.”
Yesterday’s game was only the third in the Championship this season where Louza and Dele-Bashiru have played together.
“I think when we started the season with four top midfielders including Moussa and Edo in that as well, you’re thinking how you’re going to get them in the team,” said Cleverley.
“Today I thought all four played their part.
“We lacked Moussa’s leadership when he went off after cramping up, and I thought Edo was different class today.
“He’s a real warrior and always has been for me, and he’s one of those I can always rely on.
“So I have to give Edo a shout-out as well, but for me Tom and Imran controlled the game for large parts.”
In attack, it was an impressive full league debut for Mamadou Doumbia.
“He’s got a lot of quality,” Cleverley enthused.
“I thought his hold-up play today was excellent, occupying two very experienced centre-halves.
“His desire and quality made it a very complete performance, and he should take a lot of heart from that and build on it.
“I think he’s an exciting player.”
The young striker was replaced with 10 minute to go due to something quite foreign to the Watford head coach.
“I just had a laugh with Troy Deeney in the Sky Sports studio, because I don’t think I ever got cramp in my career!” he laughed.
“I still do wonder how these young lads get cramp, but he certainly put the work in today.
“Give me that performance and cramp in the 80th minute any day of the week.”
