Watford Opinion: Terence Kongolo would add quality, versatility and youthfulness to the Hornets’ backline
According to the Daily Mail, newly-promoted Aston Villa and Watford have been credited with an interest in Huddersfield Town defender Terence Kongolo in the summer transfer window.
The same report claims that Aston Villa have already made an enquiry about the availability of the 25-year-old, with reports claiming that manager Dean Smith is keen to add more depth to his backline.
Watford have not made an official approach for the Dutch international just yet but it is believed that the Hornets could also firm up their interest in the versatile defender in the coming weeks. (h/t Daily Mail)
Huddersfield Town’s stay in the Premier League came to an end after just two seasons and Kongolo is likely to be one of the in-demand relegation stars this summer.
The 25-year-old is under contract at the John Smith’s Stadium until 2022 and the Terriers might choose to keep him as a part of their plans in the Championship next term.
Kongolo, who initially joined Huddersfield Town on loan from Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco in the second half of the 2017-18 season, played a key role to help the Terriers beat the drop in their inaugural campaign in the top-flight.
The Dutchman’s heroics on his loan spell prompted Huddersfield to make him their club-record signing last summer but the 25-year-old failed to replicate his previous form and could not prevent the Terriers from getting relegated to the Championship.
The 4-cap Dutch international, made a total of 32 appearances for Huddersfield in the Premier League last term, with managers David Wagner and Jan Siewert rotating him between centre-back and left-back roles.
The Terriers conceded as many as 76 goals in the top-flight, and while Kongolo’s wasn’t consistent enough, the Dutchman did put in some strong performances and that might just be enough for the likes of Aston Villa and Watford to offer him an escape route to stay in the Premier League.
A part of the Dutch side that reached the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Kongolo has quite a good profile for a player of his age, having won the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup with his boyhood club Feyenoord in 2016-17 and 2015-16 respectively.
Essentially a centre-back, Kongolo is also capable of playing as a left-back due to his left-footed nature as a defender. Noted for his strength, pace, agility, sharpness, anticipation and quick reactions, the Dutchman is adept at cutting out attacks with tackles and interceptions.
He also possesses good enough dribbling and passing skills. An aggressive defender by nature, the 25-year-old always likes to defend on the front foot and stamp his authority over the opposition.
To put things into perspective, Terence Kongolo continues to be a highly-rated player and he certainly has a hell of a lot of experience for a 25-year-old. The Dutchman would be a good signing for either of the aforementioned clubs but Watford should look to have the final say in the race to sign the versatile defender this summer.
Watford’s challenge for a Europa League qualification spot faded towards the end of this past season but the Hornets deserve all the credit for their wonderful run to the final of the FA Cup.
Javi Gracia did a terrific job as the manager and propelled the club to great heights, despite having to work under financial constraints. However, the Hornets need to bring in some fresh faces this summer in a bid to add more depth and quality to their ranks.
Bringing in a new defender this summer won’t be a bad idea for them, given that the club conceded 59 goals in the Premier League last term.
Centre-backs Adrian Mariappa (32), Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart (30) all blew hot and cold. While none of them was particularly poor, they often left a lot to be desired with their marking of the opposition at the back.
Left-back Jose Holebas was one of the key contributors with goals and assists last season but he is already 34 and bringing in someone like Kongolo could work wonders for the club moving forward.
To Read More Watford News, Click Here:- Latest Watford News
That said, the acquisition of Terence Kongolo could add that much-needed youthful exuberance and depth to Watford’s rather ageing backline.
