Watford Opinion: Hornets should rekindle their interest in Joe Lolley

Back in November last year, prior to the January transfer window, the Daily Mail reported that Watford and Cardiff City were interested in securing the services of Nottingham Forest winger Joe Lolley.

However, a move to the Premier League failed to materialize for the 26-year-old winger and he continued to flourish in the Championship.

Lolley has been one of the shining lights of Forest’s otherwise mediocre campaign in the Championship this season.

In fact, the former Huddersfield Town ace has put his name right up there amongst the most productive wide players in the Championship, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further 11 from 46 appearances for Martin O’Neill’s side this term.

The 26-year-old has been a hugely influential figure at the City Ground this season, with both Aitor Karanka and O’Neill using him in a multitude of positions in the attacking third.

Primarily a left-footed attacker, Lolley, however, has looked at his best when he has operated out wide on the right, allowing him to cut inside with his stronger left foot and beat the opposition’s full-backs.

He has tormented defences with his pace and directness, dropping his shoulders and charging at his opposite number with plenty of purpose and intent.

Lolley has oozed with confidence throughout the season and there has hardly been a game where he hasn’t showed backed himself to tear the opposition to pieces. Yes, there have been times when he has failed to deliver but he has never lacked the body language and the commitment.

Blessed with good close control and quick feet, Lolley uses his acceleration and wonderful dribbling skills to drive his way past defenders but the most impressive things about him are his drive and determination, which on their own, are enough to make him the player that he is.

The Englishman seems to have only one thought on his mind when he receives the ball, which is to run at goal using his pace, power and upper body strength.

Lolley is also a very good distance shooter with his left foot and 5 of his 11 goals in the Championship this term have come from shots outside the box. His dribbling stats are equally impressive, having successfully completed 110 of his attempted 189 dribbles.

An aggressive player by nature, Lolley has attempted a total of 136 shots in the Championship this season, though only 44 of them have been on target, while 4 have hit the post. Furthermore, he has registered a total of 84 key passes this season, which shows that he is an efficient assist-provider as well.

To put things into perspective, Watford should rekindle their interest in the 11-goal Championship ace this summer, as the Hornets need to bolster their attacking ranks heading into the upcoming season.

Wolves seem to have beaten Javi Gracia’s side to the 7th spot in the Premier League but the Hornets still have a chance of making it to the Europa League by beating Man City in the finals of the FA Cup.

Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney have been two of the club’s standout figures in the final third, while Roberto Pereyra’s influence has faded away after a bright start to the campaign.

Will Hughes has done a decent job on the right but the Hornets currently lack much depth in their wide options. Gracia has the services of Kiko Femenia and Ken Sema down the right, while Jose Holebas and Pereyra are viable options down the left.

However, someone like Lolley can add another dimension to Watford’s attack with his pace, drive and determination, and given that he is equally adept at playing out wide on either flank, the 26-year-old might prove to be a useful squad player at Vicarage Road.

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Lolley has shown enough promise in the Championship and it won’t be a bad idea for Watford to play a gamble on the former Huddersfield ace. Having said that, they should go back for the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window.