Seven of Watford’s ten new signings took to the field at Vicarage Road this evening for the friendly with Sevilla. 

Our Watford FC reporter Adam Newson reflects on how they performed in the Hornets’ 1-0 defeat to last season’s Europa League winners.

Allan Nyom

The Cameroonian international was the pick of the new signings on display. He showed several neat touches to retain possession throughout the game and offered an outlet going forward which was needed when Steven Berghuis drifted infield from the wing during the first half.

The right-back was rarely caught out defensively and delivered one excellent cross which resulted in Odion Ighalo heading against the post.

His influence waned in the second period and he was beaten on a couple of occasions but it was a largely impressive display from Nyom.

Sebastian Prodl

The strong Austrian centre-back appears to be forming a good partnership with the always reliable Craig Cathcart.

He wasn’t afraid to dish out instructions to his teammates and move the defence up field when needed. 

Prodl was rarely beaten in the air and was positionally excellent. Only negatives were a couple of loose passes and clearances which allowed Sevilla the opportunity to attack.

Jose Holebas

Introduced in the 54th minute in place of Miguel Layun. The Greek international showed good pace to stop a Sevilla breakaway midway through the second period but then lost possession after attempting to beat his man. Fortunately nothing came from his error.

Like Nyom, offered width when he pushed forward and demonstrated he is capable of delivering a good cross as he demonstrated with one dangerous free-kick. His best display of pre-season. 

Etienne Capoue

Big things are expected of Watford’s record signing but he was quiet on his first appearance at Vicarage Road.

He was neat in possession without ever taking a risk and failed to cover the ground as effectively as his centre midfield partner Valon Behrami.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder won back possession on a couple of occasions in the second period but a lot more still to come, you hope and expect.

Valon Behrami

It is surely worth putting a bit of money on the Swiss midfielder receiving the most yellow cards in the Premier League this season?

Behrami’s style will always attract cautions - he received one tonight - but he was at his industrious best against the Spanish side.

He continuously nipped at the heels of the opposition, covered plenty of ground and was tidy in possession. A solid and effective display.

Steven Berghuis

The Dutch winger’s first contribution in a Hornets shirt was to hit a corner straight into the first man. Two more then followed.

However, he improved as the first advanced and a neat exchange of passes with Ighalo led to 23-year-old having a shot blocked.

He had another effort late in the opening period saved by Sevilla goalkeeper Beto. Berghuis, who started pre-season training later than the rest of the Hornets squad, was replaced at half time by Juan Carlos Paredes.

Matej Vydra (Yes, he counts)

Watford supporters are fully aware of what Vydra offers the Hornets side following two previous successful loan spells. That is pace, direct dribbling and accurate finishing.

Two of those qualities were on display this evening. Unfortunately the third wasn’t, although chances were at a premium.

The Czech Republic international had one opportunity to score but it wasn’t easy. Juan Carlos Paredes’ cross deflected towards the edge of the area to Vydra and he sent a half volley narrowly wide.

Giedrius Arlauskis

Spent the game on the bench. It’s a role he’ll likely have to get used to during the season.