WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Roberto Pereyra (R) of Watford runs with the ball watched by Mohamed Elneny during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Hope #1: That Roberto Pereyra can spark Watford’s attack.
Pereyra, 25, became Watford’s most expensive transfer signing in club history this offseason when he inked a deal with the side for reportedly 13 million pounds. The Argentine international played for Udinese for six seasons which may be where Watford management saw something in him.
While Pereyra showed some potential with Udinese he never really truly lived up to his potential with Juventus. In 69 appearances with Juve he would score just six goals and would fall out favor late in the 2015-2016 season. That being said, he did find some success as a winger with Juve coach Massimilliano Allegri using him more or less on counter-attacks and for crosses into the box.
With Watford Pereyra will be called upon to be the main focus on the attacking. He possesses a really good first touch that can often get opponents out of position. His finishing is also above average as evidenced by his brilliant strike against Arsenal last week.
The question is how he will work with Troy Deeney (15 goals in 2015-2016) and Odion Ighalo (15 goals) on the attack. Mazzarri may take a page out of Allegri’s book and place Pereyra out wide, giving him a chance to send in long crosses and take shots from distance. It may be the perfect spot for him to get his legs back (he played in just 16 matches for Juve last season) and get acclimated to the Premier League. No matter where he plays, he gives Mazzarri some depth up top which should help come the tough stretches in the winter.
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<p>The biggest problem with Mazzarri is that he has never really faced the specter of relegation. Although his coaching C/V features names like Sampordia, Inter Milan, and Napoli looking closer at the results there really was not that much success.</p>
<p>A few appearances in the Champions League, a Coppa Italia title and a second place finish with Napoli are really the only highlights for Mazzarri. The rest of his performances as manager have been fine, but not anything that really stands out.</p>
<p>The one exception may be his work with Reggina. Prior to their 2006-2007 campaign the club was deducted eleven points for their role in the Serie A match-fixing scandal. Despite being hit with a death sentence, Mazzarri kept Reggina in the Serie A that season by just one point. Thankfully, Watford are not in such a hole but it should give supporters some hope that Mazzarri can lead this club in their relegation fight.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">