Handing Doucoure a new contract is a massive statement from the Hornets

Watford have pulled off one of the best moves of the summer by handing midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure a fresh contract. The Frenchman has put pen to paper on a five-year contract which will tie him down to the Hornets till 2023. (Watford Observer)

The midfielder was one of Watford’s leading players last season which saw him claim the club’s Player Of The Season award. His impressive performances also attracted a host of clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. (Watford Observer)

According to the Watford Observer, Doucoure chose to remain at Vicarage Road. He was one of their leading lights in an otherwise lacklustre campaign.

The Hornets were unable to hold onto star attacker Richarlison, who has made the move to Everton. However, they have definitely completed a masterstroke by holding on to Doucoure. (Telegraph)

The 25-year-old joined the club in 2016 but was initially loaned out to Granada. Doucoure returned a changed player and immediately made his mark at the club. He has since gone on to become an important figure at Vicarage Road.

Doucoure is generally deployed as a central midfielder but he is also versatile enough to slot into a defensive midfield role. The French international is a tireless worker on and off the ball. Doucoure is a strong and agile midfielder whose tough-tackling approach made him a favourite with the Watford faithful last season. His bullish approach on the ball makes it hard for defenders to take it off him.

The midfielder averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions in the Premier League last season. He is an able deputy to the defensive line and often sits right in front of them to offer support. Doucoure is also more than capable of surging forward with the ball and supporting the team in the attack. He scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in 37 appearances last season.

What’s even more impressive is his efficiency and stamina. Not once did he seen fatigued, seamlessly playing every game for the Hornets. He is an engine that requires no diesel or petrol to run smoothly.

Read more: If Watford pull off this transfer swoop, it will be a huge progress for the club

Javi Gracia has indeed done a good job by retaining his services. Losing both Richarlison and Doucoure would have been a major blow for the Hornets.

Hence, the fact that they have subsequently strengthened the squad should help them challenge for bigger and better things in the Premier League next season.