Many have made comment on here and elsewhere about his amazing talent, coolness and vision. Even Steve Bruce singled him out for praise after our league game there in April. I for one think he has been an inspiration for us this season, his ability to switch his role in our side has been crucial at times and i think Sunday's game just showed what an incredible player he is. Can you imagine what he would have been like 4/5 years ago?. The pass for Vydra's first goal and the clearance to Anya after Aluminia's penalty saves did not have any luck about them but were calculated. Does he have a flaw to his game? allowing for father times effect on his pace, maybe he is a bit rash in his defensive challenges at times but the way he can turn away from a player and leave him for dead when he is being closed down i have rarely seen in a player wearing our shirt. I think he would have to be incontention to be included in a Watford's most gifted player eleven, what do you think?
And to think I didn't rate him at the beginning of the season. How wrong was I? (although in fairness I wasnt the only one). I agree with everything you've said Flit and I think it speaks volumes about our season that there are a number of players that you could make a case for Player of the Season. And I still think that there is a role for Cassetti next season regardless of which division we are in.
Yes I agree with you Bloother I would say all our players have developed this season and I especially see it in Lloyd Doyley who perhaps was often thought of as a bit of a solid journey man but now you often see him being given the ball to start the next attack and you see him all over the pitch, but always back when he is needed. I am sure we could make similar comments about the other players too.
Marco Cassetti was my #2 choice for player of the season. He's been incredible for us, and his talent is wonderful to watch. Yes, he can be rash at times, but rarely do his passes not go where he intends, and rarely does he lose the ball. And to think he can beat 20 year olds for pace at times...just incredible! I won't be surprised if we lose him for next season, but i really hope he stays.
How much Tommy Hoban must have learnt this year from such a complete player. How good it is to enjoy the timing,skills, class of a defender, esp. when playing in our league. (We had that ancient character in Vialli's year who came as a sort of coach, but ended up playing a lot of games. Similar, but not nearly as good.) I've sometimes drawn breath in worry with the occasional crossfield pass to an opponent. but hey, perhaps he does it to keep everyone on their toes!
Some time ago I seem to remember GZ saying that he was hoping Cassetti would stay for another season. He certainly has no real connection with Udinese as he has never played for them.
Udinese signed him from Roma and he immediately got sent to us. Funny really - he must have been wondering wwhat the hell was going on and now he's getting a trip to Wembley. Bet he never saw that one coming!
My family are in New Zealand but if GZ asked me to play for Watford in the EPL I wouldn't let that worry me!
Spot on Flitton - he would have been my player of the season. Sheer class and any young player would learn so much playing alongside him. This season I have got to just watching him during the game and ignoring the ball - his concentration and anticipation is awesome. I rave about him so much Little Miss W_Y is starting to get worried about me
Will he stay or retire - would be good if we go up as youl know he'd be very composed and has the experience at top level football.
None of them saw this comming. I spoke to Ekstrand after the Leicester match and he was in shock and said that none of the players had dreamed of this.
Fillippo Galli from AC Milan was the ancient character you refer to Not quite up with the legend that was John McClelland but Cassetti's a quality player and so hoping he's with us next season
Not having had the chance to see Cassetti play (apart from TV clips), I was wondering how he compares with John McClelland. Glad to see someone has given me a yardstick to measure him by.
John McCleland-- a legend here at Bangor City --played under John Mahony-- highlights probably the games against Athletico madrid, we lost at home 2 nil and a narrow 1 nil away-- they then beat celtic 5-1 !--he still keeps in touch--top geezer!
He is taking big steps to catch John McClelland. One thing that Skysports almost did not show was Marco Cassettis pass to Matej Vydra for the first goal. Who else could make a pass like that with the outside of his foot. I know Matej had to understand where the defenders and goalkeeper were standing, contol the pass and kick it into the goal but the pass was perfect for him to just kick the ball once.
This Watford side is the most technically proficient of any past Watford team IMHO. The individual skills shown in all the goals are outstanding.
