Domingos Quina can be justified at feeling disappointed after not keeping his place in the Watford starting line-up for this afternoon’s 2-0 victory at West Ham United, but few could question the importance of Etienne Capoue to the Hornets after another impressive display in the centre of the park.

The French midfielder returned to the team after missing the last three games through suspension and he once again performed at a high standard, winning the ball back multiple times and helping to kick-start Watford’s attacks with his quality on the ball.

Capoue was always likely to come straight back into the side, but it was Quina who was the one to make way against his former club after his eye-catching displays against Everton and Cardiff City.

Head coach Javi Gracia said: “In the last two games Domingos Quina has played in that position and he has played very, very well. But with Capoue, everybody knows he’s an important player for us and we have a better balance in some moments.

“As you could see when we were defending corner kicks many times, Capoue was the player that solved that situation and we have more centimetres, more experience but knowing we have other another good player waiting for his chance. And when they have the chance they show they are good players as well.”