Doucoure out to hang on to his Watford place

Abdoulaye Doucoure believes that he has grasped his opportunity at Watford with both hands and has done enough to become a regular fixture in the Hornets’ starting line-up.

The 24-year-old midfielder signed for Watford from Rennes in February 2016 but was immediately loaned out to Spanish side Granada, who were – at the time – also owned by the Pozzo family.

The Frenchman finally made his Hornets debut in August but after initially struggling to break into Walter Mazarri’s thinking, Doucoure has started Watford’s last seven matches.

In recent weeks, the former France U21 international’s cause has been helped by an injury to Valon Behrami and Doucoure says that he’d also like to play his part in helping to turn the Hornets’ form around.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

“I’m happy to play,” said Doucoure, whose team have lost four of their last five Premier League outings.

“When I’m on the pitch, I work hard, but I can do better.

“I’m not complacent with this, and with us losing, I’m very disappointed. My performance is not the most important thing.

“Before my first start [against Sunderland on April 1], it was because there were some injuries, but with players coming back, I’m continuing to play.

“So I think my level has been good enough to stay in the first team.”