Five destinations for in-demand Watford skipper Troy Deeney
Published:
Holly Thackeray | January 5, 2016
Destinations for dangerman Deeney
According to tabloid press, Watford talisman and captain Troy Deeney is a £20m target for Premier League big-guns Arsenal this January, a link that may have surprised many.
Though, the strong and bullish striker has lead his Hornets by example upon their return to the top-flight. So, Coral writers got to thinking, what could this hitman give the Gunners? And, would he be better suited to an alternative Premier League option?
Arsenal
First up, Arsene Wenger’s men did require depth earlier in their injury-plagued term but, since the returns of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott, poaching new forward-thinking recruits looks a little surplus.
Though, one suspension or sidelining of frontman Olivier Giroud could leave Arsenal light again and, if Wenger is unconvinced by long injury lay-off Danny Welbeck and back-up Joel Campbell, adding Deeney to the mix would make sense.
An adaptable talent, the Englishman may fancy his chances of attracting Roy Hodgson’s attention with the short move to north London, where Arsenal and their attacking armory are 7/5 second favourites with Coral for the Premier League title.
Tottenham
Much has been said about how much Mauricio Pochettino’s men are a promising work in progress, but 27-year-old Deeney and his years of graft to reach this level could add much needed grit to a young Spurs strikeforce.
Main man Harry Kane likes to get involved across the pitch too, so it would not need to be a case of one or the other and, should a burgeoning partnership blossom, it would not do the current Hornets hitman’s Three Lions hopes any harm. As the joint-third top English Premier League scorer, Tottenham’s search for another striker could well lead them to Watford’s door.
Liverpool
The Reds require dressing room characters and previously controversial Deeney would bring bags of desire and determination to Anfield.
Liverpool’s frontline is decimated and, though they may be wary of splashing out high fees on homegrown talent after previous disappointments (here’s looking at you, Andy Carroll), Jurgen Klopp is canny enough to utilise players to their best. Having reportedly asked Christian Benteke to put in more of a shift, the German would not need to tell Deeney to try harder these days.
Leicester City
The ferocious Foxes may boast two of the top-flight’s leading four scorers already but, as they seek to keep up competition for an unlikely but not impossible Premier League title (rated a 25/1 chance), piling the pressure on opponents by purchasing another poacher could work wonders.
Dynamic duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez cannot conceivably keep up this form all campaign, and Deeney could prove a prudent punt to help cover the cracks. Leicester’s raft of inconsistent strikers are yet to convince, but could be sold to help raise funds for a forward in Deeney who is adept at both being a leading man or a fantastic foil. Having already added wing magician Demarai Gray, coach Claudio Ranieri clearly has some spending support.
Southampton
West Ham United may soon be seeking a Carroll replacement, while Crystal Palace are also in search of a sharpshooter. Though, with Watford also in the scramble for a top six spot, neither of those sides may be considered a step up.
Saints, meanwhile, are lagging far behind but have an arguably higher ceiling and appeal. Should flexible forward Sadio Mane be sold for big bucks, Ronald Koeman would have considerable cash in the coffers and could do worse than capturing Deeney.
When Graziano Pelle and Mane are not grabbing goals, Southampton lack spark and require a catalyst for the second half of the season. Diligent Deeney could be just that, and could drag this team out of their midtable mediocrity.
Adapting to Koeman’s playing style would pose no problems as Watford’s talisman is far from shabby in possession and loves to drift. With six goals and five assists so far, propping up Odion Ighalo, his ability to contribute in all areas would go down well in tandem with Pelle at St Mary’s.
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