Etienne Capoue may have scored the first goal but it was his performance alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure that was critical to Watford’s 2-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player has arguably been the Hornets most consistent performer this season in his favoured defensive midfield position and he produced an outstanding display as, alongside his fellow Frenchman, the pair prevented players such as Joao Moutinho and Reuben Neves from allowing their qualities to come to the fore.

Addressing the performance of Doucoure first, Hornets head coach Javi Gracia said: “If there is the space Doucoure always play well. For me, he is an amazing player. He always helps his teammates, running a lot, playing well today with good passes and for me the midfielders, in my opinion, were very important if we wanted to get a good result.

“In that position we have other good players. For example, today [Nathaniel] Chalobah is injured but he’s playing with England and at a high level. Young players like Domingos Quina, Ben Wilmot, we have good players in that position, but at this moment Doucoure and Capoue are playing at a very high level.”

Alongside the suspended Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas, the Watford boss also had to do without Troy Deeney. But Gracia is hopeful the captain will be available to face Huddersfield Town next weekend.

The Hornets boss said: “He has a hamstring strain but I think he will be ready for the next game.”