I treat Niang as my own son, says Watford boss Mazzarri

Walter Mazzarri says he treats AC Milan loanee M’Baye Niang as if he were his own son.

The French under-21 international scored his first goal for Watford and crossed for Troy Deeney to score in an eye-catching display as the Hornets’ overcame Burnley 2-1 at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The win gave Mazzarri’s men back-to-back league victories for the first time since September, and lifted them into the top half of the Premier League table.

They travel to Manchester United next Saturday, and Mazzarri will be hopeful Niang can continue the excellent start to his career in Hertfordshire.

Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images

The 22-year-old displayed bags of skill and flair on his home debut, and Mazzarri believes there is more to come from his young starlet.

“Niang did very well against Arsenal as well,” the Hornets boss said. “Because he’s a player who didn’t play very much with Milan this season, he still needs to get the perfect condition I want.

“I’m speaking with him every day. I treat him as if he were my son. I’m also asking for suggestions and I think he listens to me as well.

“A player with his qualities, if he has made mistakes in the past the important thing is doesn’t do them anymore and keeps following my suggestions.”