Etienne Capoue would be forgiven for wanting to prove a point against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. But he knows that he would only play into the hands of Spurs.

The Frenchman left Tottenham in the summer after two hugely frustrating years at White Hart Lane.

When the 27-year-old joined the club in 2013 he was one of seven signings expected to elevate Spurs from top four contenders to top four stalwarts.

It didn’t quite go to plan, for Capoue or Tottenham. He would play just 36 games for the club in the next two years.

Spurs, meanwhile, ended both seasons denied Champions League football.

“Tottenham was a new experience for me because for the first time in my career I didn’t play,” Capoue explains. “That was the decision of the coach. I accepted it.”

But he certainly wasn’t happy about it. Capoue was determined to leave Tottenham in the summer and he got his wish.

He joined Watford for a club record fee of around £6 million. What a bargain that now appears to be.

“I just wanted to play. I had two hard years at Tottenham but at Watford I am enjoying my football,” he says.

Capoue has started every Premier League game this season and has excelled. So is he looking forward to showing Spurs what they wasted when Mauricio Pochettino’s side visit Vicarage Road next week?

“I am not thinking about Tottenham,” Capoue stresses. “It will mess up my game if I did. I don’t want that.

“I play for Watford and I am only focused on this club. I will give everything for Watford and I am trying to show my qualities under Quique [Sanchez Flores].”

Capoue has certainly proved he is good enough for the Premier League during his short time with Watford.

The former Toulouse midfielder is playing some of the best football of his career.

Flores says Capoue could play for any side in the world. A sentiment echoed by teammate Heurelho Gomes earlier this month.

But what does Watford have that Tottenham didn’t? Why has Capoue been able to settle so seamlessly at Vicarage Road?

“There is a very good atmosphere at Watford,” he says. “From the people inside the club to the players and the fans.

“They have all helped put me in a good place and that lets me show everyone what I can do. It is very good here. I am enjoying playing with my teammates.”

That much is evident. Capoue and Watford have defied expectations this season. They sit seventh in the Premier League, one point off the Champions League places. The club’s goal remains unchanged. Avoiding relegation.

That looks a certainty but it won’t stop the club from making additions when the January transfer window opens.

And Capoue says the Hornets’ standing in the table will make it easier to attract high quality players.

“If we keep playing well good players will want to come to Watford,” he says. “That can only be good for us.”