Watford head coach Claudio Ranieri believes Imran Louza could be the solution to a midfield problem, but that the player needs to have better stamina and strength.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's victory at Everton, the Italian was asked about the need for a deeper-lying midfielder to provide a greater connection between the defence and the rest of the team, a role normally carried out by Will Hughes last season prior to his departure in the summer.

While Ranieri agreed that Louza was most naturally suited to that position out of his midfield options, he said the Moroccan needs to "improve" before he can be relied on.

"I agree, Louza is the best solution to do this," he said.

"But I want him to improve. He needs to increase stamina. I need him more powerful, he needs strength to recover the ball.

"When he moves the ball he's very very good – Cleverley, Tufan, Kucka, Sissoko aren’t this player."

Louza was brought in during the summer transfer window as a possible replacement for Hughes, who left for Crystal Palace, but is yet to make any senior appearances for the South London side.

The former Nantes man has featured three times for the Hornets this season, including two matches in the Carabao Cup and once in the Premier League, when he was substituted at half time as Watford were beaten away at Brighton.