Why Pape Gueye can offer Watford plenty of options in midfield
According to Daily Mail, Watford have signed a pre-contract agreement with Le Havre defensive midfielder Pape Gueye.
Gueye’s current deal with the French second division outfit is set to expire this coming June. The 21-year-old Frenchman was allowed to negotiate with foreign clubs since January. Gueye has been a standout player for Le Havre this season, attracting interests from a host of clubs abroad, with Premier League side Watford being the latest club linked with a move for him (h/t Daily Mail).
With French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announcing on Tuesday that no sporting events will be conducted in the country until September 1, Gueye seems to have played his last game for Le Havre.
Gueye broke into the first-team last season, making 12 Ligue 2 appearances. Since then, he has quickly established himself as a regular, attracting the likes of Watford.
A key member of the current squad, Gueye appeared in 25 of their 28 league outings, making him one of the first names on the team sheet. To add to his credentials, the youngster has contributed to his side with two assists in the league.
Coach Paul Le Guen handed Gueye the captain’s armband in some of their league outings, owing to his impressive displays, despite his young age.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Gueye’s excellent defensive abilities have seen him help Le Havre to nine clean sheets in the league, acting as a shield in front of the backline.
However, Gueye’s versatility allows him to feature anywhere in the midfield, something that he has successfully displayed this season at the Stade Oceane. This season alone, Gueye was has played in a variety of roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to an attacking midfielder.
Out of his overall 25 league matches, Gueye has played 14 times as a holding midfielder, nine times in the centre, and once as a creative playmaker.
Watford need a youngster like Gueye
Watford, meanwhile, are fighting for their survival in the Premier League as they sit just one spot above the relegation zone. Lack of creativity in the middle and a poor defence has seen the side suffer a major dip in the table.
The Hornets’ current set of defensive midfielders – Etienne Capoue and Nathaniel Chalobah haven’t been consistent enough. They have conceded as many as 44 goals from 29 league games. Capoue has been a regular feature, making 24 league appearances while Chalobah has mostly been in and out of the side, managing just 15 league outings this term.
Capoue is into his thirties and no more the player he once was. He will be 32 this July and will soon need to be replaced. Hence, it would do Watford the world of good if young Gueye arrives.
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Watford clearly need some young blood in midfield, considering the number of goals that they have leaked this season. Moreover, Gueye’s flexibility to play anywhere in the midfield would make him a valuable asset.
Hence, Watford’s decision to tie the youngster to a pre-contract agreement looks like a wise move.
Verdict
Watford at the moment lack depth in the defensive midfield role. Therefore, Gueye’s potential arrival would be a welcoming sign. The versatile youngster can also offer Nigel Pearson options in midfield, having done so in the past with Le Havre.
