Kaboul challenges Watford to secure top-ten finish

Defender Younes Kaboul believes Watford should be aiming for a top-half finish after recovering from their sluggish start to the campaign.

The Hornets beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on Sunday, keeping their first clean sheet of the season in the process, to climb to tenth place in the Premier League table.

After failing to win their first three games and losing to Gillingham in the EFL Cup second round the jury was out as to how Watford may fare under new boss Walter Mazzarri.

But with the club now seemingly on track, Kaboul has high hopes.

(Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“The target this season is to do even better if possible, if not, to be like last season. But we always look to do better, of course,” said the former Tottenham defender.

“To be in the first half of the table would be perfect for the club.

“We have got quality in the group. Leicester proved last season anything can win the Premier League – I’m not talking about this, of course, but that shows you the mentality now of other teams.

“When I say other teams, it’s the other teams out of the top four, five, maybe even six now. For the rest of the teams, anyone can surprise anyone. That’s the Premier League.”