Louza has developed into one of Watford's leaders
On a night when Leeds showed their promotion credentials, there was at least one Watford player who wouldn’t have looked out of place in their line-up.
Imran Louza continued his outstanding recent form despite the Hornets being beaten 4-0, and the midfielder has shown himself to be one of the best in the division.
However, after being loaned out at the of the last campaign, the Morocco international played only 130 minutes of the first 14 games this season, but since then has been pretty much the first name on the teamsheet.
“We have a mutual respect for each other,” said head coach Tom Cleverley.
“I partnered him in midfield a few years ago and we both see the game in a very similar way, and so I respect the qualities he brings to the team.
“He had to be patient at the start of the season and he’s developed into a really strong leader among the group.
“I’m really pleased with things have progressed for Imran and the performance levels he’s shown, but also off the pitch he has become one of our leaders.
“He’s getting the plaudits he deserves but I’m sure he’d swap that for results.”
The Watford boss said he has taken the learnings away from Tuesday night’s defeat and moved on.
“I feel like there can be some big lessons learned for us from the game,” he explained.
“Firstly, if we are going to dominate the ball – which I want us to do – it has to result in some substance.
“So we need final product and penetration, and getting that is the next step.
“Then we need to maybe not commit so many bodies forward against a side of Leeds’ quality.
“In my opinion they are the only side that can hurt you like that in transition.
“We don’t have to face that issue as much but I certainly think if we’re going to dominate the ball like we did at Sunderland and against Leeds, it also has to result in penetration and chances at goal.”
While it was a heavy and deserved defeat, it didn’t feel like Watford’s worst performance of the season by any stretch – they ran into opponents who were on the top of their game.
“Absolutely that,” Cleverley agreed.
“I can maybe fault some details in each goal we conceded but the general feeling was that my players were showing for the ball, they all worked for the team, but we came up against an opponent who in every aspect of the game – set pieces, duals, quality in front of goal – just outperformed us.
“I’ve not seen a team be able to do that us so convincingly this season, and that’s why I said afterwards that for me they are an exceptional Championship side and not just for this season, but for the last few years.”
