Father-figure Mazzarri keen to nurture Hornets’ Niang

Walter Mazzarri believes there is more to come from January signing M’Baye Niang – and the Watford manager feels he is man to be treated like his own son.

The 22-year-old – loaned from Italian giants AC Milan – set up the Hornets’ opener for captain Troy Deeney against Burnley before scoring what proved to be the winner with a deft header just before half-time, all coming in his debut.

The France under-21 international also gave Watford fans a taste of his undeniable flair, with the side already keen to make his loan move permanent, rumoured with a fee of £13.5m.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mazzarri has been impressed by the striker’s super-fast start to Premier League life, but thinks there is still room for him to improve at Vicarage Road.

“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.”