Marco Silva was an unknown manager when he was first appointed the manager of then struggling Hull City last season despite him having coaches the likes of Estoril , Sporting CP and Olympiakos winning Taca de Portugal and the Greek League. Although he was unable to save Hull from relegation it was so evident how he had transformed the Humber side with the meagre resources at his disposal.
Upon a new appointment as Walter Mazzarri's successor in Watford, Silva has again transformed the side as they are currently flying high at the moment having amassed six wins after 14 league games sitting 8th in the table, seven points adrift of 4th placed Liverpool which is a major feat considering how Watford were nearly relegated last season as they finished 17th, six points above 18th placed Hull City.
Under the Portuguese who won 17 consecutive league games at Olympiakos as well as leading Estoril from the Tier 2 of Portuguese football division to European Football having finished 4th; Watford are set-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with emphasis on an energetic and physical style of game as the likes of Etienne Capoune and Doucoure patrol the midfield protecting the back four as well as playing as box-to- box midfielders given the licence to join in attack to distract opposition defenders. Watford are a hard tackling side under the Portuguese as well as playing with width as the right and left backs (Holebas and Fermina) quickly join in attack leaving behind the centre-backs and playing behind Richardlison and Hughes. In this set-up, Watford drags their opponents to the wings so as to create chances for main striker Gray and attaching midfielder Tom Cleverly.
In his role as the No.10, Cleverly is tasked with switching play quickly from either wings such that defenders are caught napping . Playing a patient style of game favouring the retention of the ball in their own half and quickly bursting on counter when opportunity presents itself with Richardlison's creativity , work rate and tackling (averages 2.9 tackles a game which is impressive for a striker ), Watford are a delight to watch when in their best although the quickly become ineffective when playing superior teams who can counter them quickly when their wing backs are out of position as defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea show .
Although it is still too early to predict how the season might end , one memorable thing for football fans is how an "Unknown " Portuguese who was scrutinized and unfairly criticised after his foray into the League last season have become a toast of many established clubs as evidenced by the £8.5 million offer rejection by Watford after Everton made their offer some weeks ago since sacking Ronald Koeman. For now Marco Silva is enjoying his time at the Vicarage .
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