The Hornets have undoubtedly impressed in the Premier League this season but Watford midfielder Ben Watson believes the Golden Boys’ side hasn’t yet shown its true potential.

Given the number of players who arrived at Vicarage Road this summer that isn’t a huge surprise. Watford are still very much a team that is gelling and improving but, encouragingly for supporters, they are a side who’ve taken ten points from eight matches in the top flight.

With no game this weekend due to the international break it has given those associated with the Hornets the opportunity to take stock of their season so far. Two months in and it is certainly promising.

But Watson believes Watford’s performances will only improve as the weeks and months progress.

“Without a doubt we are still adapting as a team,” the 30-year-old said.

“Things don’t happen overnight. The hard work has got to continue every single day.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re ready for every game we play in the Premier League. We signed 15 new players so we weren’t going to be the finished article after two games.

“It might take 20 games to really, really get going and reach our potential.

“But if we continue to pick up points like we have done, then when we start to play like we know we will be in a very strong position.

“It is a case of patience from the fans and from everyone at the club. We are in the best league in the world now and no game is easy.

“Teams at the bottom of the league are full of international players. But we will continue to do what we have been doing so far.

“We want to win every game but we know that will not happen. However, if we can’t win a game then we want to draw it. That’s our mindset.”

Watson brings crucial Premier League experience to Watford’s squad, both off and on the field. He is battle hardened and knows what it takes to survive in the top flight after six years at Wigan Athletic.

He spent the early weeks of this season on the substitutes’ bench but Valon Behrami’s three-game suspension afford him a chance in the first team.

Watson certainly didn’t let his side down but how would he feel if the Swiss midfielder instantly returned to the side against Arsenal next week?

“You always want to be playing and of course you are disappointed when you are left out but I respect the manager. He will do what he thinks is best for the team,” Watson said. “Eventually you will always get a chance, whether that is down to loss of form, suspension or injury.

“With Valon being suspended I’ve been playing but hopefully he’s back in contention for Arsenal.

“The manager has got to make a choice then. We’ve got quality midfielders. (Etienne) Capoue, Ade (Adlene Guedioura), Valon and Almen (Abdi) can play there too.

“So the competition is great. We’re a team at the end of the day. And the team is more important than the individual.”

During his time at Wigan Watson worked under a Spanish manager in Roberto Martinez. At Watford another Spaniard, Quique Sanchez Flores, is in charge.

“I can’t speak highly enough of either of them,” Watson said. “I had a great time under Roberto at Wigan and working under Quique this season has been fantastic.

“It’s his first job in England and he communicates well with the boys. From day one he has got his point across. We know what he wants from us.”

What Watford’s fans, players and staff want this season is, first and foremost, Premier League survival. Given the bumper television deal that begins next season remaining in the top flight is worth more to clubs than ever.

“Hopefully we’re not scrapping in a relegation battle,” Watson said. “We don’t want to be around the bottom, we want to be as high up the table as we can be.

“If we keep doing what we are doing then we won’t be down there fighting. Football can change overnight though. We know that.

“Results can change very quickly. We will have a blip during the season, no doubt, every team does.

“When we do though, we will have to make sure that doesn’t last very long.”