A New Age of Forwards at Watford Football Club

Watford's next stop on the train to stability sees Valerien Ismael attempt the seemingly impossible job. The Frenchman became known for his high-intensity pressing style with a very direct approach in possession, often likened to a game of basketball. For Ismael to get his side playing to that effect an adequate set of strikers is imperative: his front three at Barnsley yielded mobility, aerial prowess and a desire to press that really defined his system. But above all, he had quality at his disposal. His Barnsley side also boasted good depth at the top end of the pitch, and just as well because his intense style of play called for frequent rotation.

Fast forward to today, Ismael's Watford lack quality and quantity. Upon his arrival the only two strike options were Vakoun Bayo and Ashley Fletcher. Both are simple poachers who offer very little in build-up, though the former does have some mobility to his game. Bayo could therefore prove a somewhat useful option despite his struggles last season, while Ashley Fletcher is expected to depart following his return from loan. The former Middlesbrough man has struggled to make a mark at any club for a good while and hasn't been seen in first-team training as of yet. It's clear that this department needs a serious revamp.

Thankfully, such a revamp is already underway. Watford got their Summer transfer window up and running with the incoming of Rhys Healey. The homegrown striker arrives on a free transfer from Toulouse where he scored 37 goals in 69 league games, largely in the second tier of French football. Healey has built up vast experience of English football through a multitude of loan spells before settling at MK Dons prior to his move to France. In his best individual season he finished as Ligue 2's top goalscorer, netting 21 times. Additionally, he accumulated 15.76 xG which translated to 0.18 per shot. If anything, this is a product of his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and that goes to show in his goal reel. His role at Toulouse was essentially to find his way into shooting positions for his teammates to pick him out. His effect on the team's build-up was minimal, but he does boast exceptional pace that allows him to thrive off balls in behind, and has the physicality to occupy centre-backs, making him the perfect man for an Ismael system, and a shrewd pickup by the Hornets.

Following Healey's arrival, Watford confirmed another in the form of Tom Ince. His arrival from relegated Reading raised eyebrows at first glance as it looked like a sign of history repeating itself: an ageing journeyman with a less-than-impressive track record over recent years. However, Ince is coming off the back of a very productive season at Reading. In contrast with Healey, the bulk of Ince's goals last season were from outside of the area, a result of his exceptional ball-striking ability. He can also make runs in behind, making him a versatile threat, but I do believe Ince will play deeper than the main striker to allow him to pick the ball up from deep and drive, either leading to a shot or a pass to Healey, who will always be in space. He's a good creative outlet, particularly from crosses, and also ranked high for shot-creating actions (4.16 per 90). But most importantly - and what I believe to be the main reason he's been signed - he works very very hard: he ranked in the 99th percentile out of forwards for both tackles and interceptions (which is admittedly somewhat bloated by the variety of positions he played, but still impressive). On top of all that, he's an effective scorer and creator from set piece situations, something the Hornets have lacked for a good while. It's easy to dismiss this move as a lazy, uninformed punt but in actuality the its a clear demonstration of joined-up thinking and recruiting for the manager.

It's definitely a positive start, but Ismael worked with a long roster of strikers at Barnsley, and we're still missing the key cog in the machine: a Daryl Dike like-for-like. Dike offered a bit of everything in his short stay at Oakwell, from goal threat to aerial ability to constant pressure.

One name to have come up is South Korea international Cho Gue-sung. Gue-sung has scored six in 12 this campaign to follow up his 21-goal season last year, showing that he's another prolific option being considered by Ismael's side. Like Healey he comes to life in the box due to his poaching instincts. But on top of goals he's a powerful physical threat, offering a level of strength and aggression that Healey and Ince don't bring to the table. He's known for attacking headers and bullying defenders like a typical target man. Add clean technique and good dribbling ability to the mix and you've got a fairly well-rounded striker that could be the figurehead of an Ismael side. Reports from South Korea suggested a deal was all but complete though it was since reported by the Athletic that nothing is in place just yet. Regardless, at 25 years of age this deal would really freshen up the squad and add that missing focal point.

Over the last 48 hours rumours have emerged linking the Hornets with veteran journeyman Islam Slimani. Watford fans will be extremely familiar with him as he was wanted by ex-manager Marco Silva who wanted a target man but instead got Andre Gray. I'll start with the negatives on this one. He's 35, which is way too old but could be acceptable on a one-year deal, especially given his free agent status. He also hasn't played much football for the last few years, meaning he could be lacking sharpness. Conversely this could have the opposite effect, as he could be quite fresh and fit for his age due to lack of wear. He's also struggled to be prolific at most of his recent clubs. That is with the exception of his most recent spell at Anderlecht where he scored eight goals in ten games. In possession, he's a hold-up striker, and a could be a very good one at Championship level, while out of it he's a pressing machine. That profile definitely suits Ismael, but I do believe if he is signed it should be with another addition.

My personal pick, though no links have come up to support this, would be Cardiff City's Kion Etete. Six-foot-five Etete has developed extremely well since his arrival in South Wales. While his goal contribution record flatters to decieve, he definitely has a lot to offer. From stats alone its clear to see the work he does out of possession: 97th percentile for tackles, 94th for interceptions and 93rd for aerials won. And with the ball he has superb ball-carrying ability, similar to that of Keinan Davis (but not the Watford version!). Kion is an excellent mobile target man that would fit an Ismael front three like a glove. Cardiff could be forced to sell at the right price due to the recent updates in the Emiliano Sala case, though the Bluebirds will know his potential could bring them a fine fee in future. At 21 years of age there's definitely room for improvement and Watford could do worse than bringing in the ex-Spurs youngster.

Overall, things are coming along pretty smoothly for Ismael's ideal strike force. There's definitely a balance to things now that Watford have acted quickly. Due to his skillset Ince could operate as the deeper forward that Ismael likes to use. Healey will make runs in behind and most likely be the main goalscorer, with Bayo, his former strike partner at Toulouse, playing second fiddle to him. The target man of choice, be it Cho, Slimani or someone else, will be the outlet that really makes things tick. Get this window right and it promises to be a fruitful season for the Hornets reaping the rewards of Ismael's stewardship, but we'll have to see how things end up.