Opinion: Watford signing this 25-year-old Birmingham star would get them a Holebas successor

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Why Watford should revive their interest in Kristian Pedersen

According to Birmingham Mail, Premier League side Watford had a bid rejected for Birmingham City star Kristian Pedersen in January.

Pedersen, 25, came through the ranks of Benlose and Ringsted’s youth system in his hometown and joined Union Berlin in Germany in 2016. After two impressive seasons, he was signed by Birmingham City in 2018.

Since then, he has been a regular under both Garry Monk and Pep Clotet. In 39 games last term, he scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists but has already surpassed that tally this season with 4 goals and 2 assists. He has established himself as the first-choice left-back and has been impressive in the last two years. Hence, it would be good for Watford to reignite their interest in the Dane.

Kristian Pedersen (L) views with Leicester City's Youri Tielemans in the FA Cup (Getty Images)
Kristian Pedersen (L) views with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans in the FA Cup (Getty Images)

The Hornets have been considerably below par despite the change in management. However, they shocked Liverpool with a mighty all-round performance but haven’t been able to replicate that performance prior to and after that game.

They have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and Watford boss Nigel Pearson should look strengthen his squad for the next season irrespective of their league status. One area which needs to be strengthened is the left-back position.

Adam Masina and Jose Holebas are the only two options available on the left side of the defence. Both of them haven’t nailed the spot for themselves, with Holebas featuring regularly in the early stages of the campaign and Masina taking charge in the latter stages.

Their duties have been split equally but Holebas is in the final few months of his contract at Vicarage Road. This would leave the Hornets with just one left-back option and therefore, the manager has to bring in reinforcements.

Kristian Pedersen (C) in action for Birmingham City (Getty Images)
Kristian Pedersen (C) in action for Birmingham City (Getty Images)

Kristian Pedersen, 25, has been consistent at the back for the last two years and has made 80 appearances for the Blues. He has done a decent job at both ends of the pitch and has been reliable to the team. He would be a suitable option for Watford once Holebas leaves.

Pedersen can be successful at a higher level, given his abilities and potential. He would bring healthy competition to Masina, who is now a regular in the starting XI.

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Kristian Pedersen (Getty Images)
Kristian Pedersen (Getty Images)

Verdict

The former Denmark youth international is just 25 and is at the right time to take a step into the Premier League. And Watford should be able to enjoy his best as he is currently in fine form and shape. He would definitely add depth and quality to the squad.

Therefore, the Hornets should try their luck in signing Pedersen once more in the summer and manage to lure him to Vicarage Road.