Getting To Know: Aidan Coyne

The academy question-and-answer series shines a light on some of the best upcoming talent at Watford, quizzing a selection of Young Hornets about their journey in and outside of football.

Next to take on the questions is highly-rated defender Aidan Coyne.

The 18-year-old joined the Golden Boys in November 2022 from Australian side Perth Glory, where he made his professional debut in the latter part of 2021, and he currently features regularly for Omer Riza’s Under-21s.

Coyne also comes from a great sporting family, being the son of Chris, and grandson of John who are both former Socceroos. His uncle Jamie also played football professionally, while his mother is a former youth international netballer.

How would you describe your playing style?
I would say that I’m more of an old-fashioned centre-half. I’m aggressive in winning the ball and I work hard in trying to keep clean sheets.

Your footballing idol?
There are certainly a few, like Virgil van Dijk, Nemanja Vidić and John Terry in particular. They are the main three that I have always looked up to and tried to take elements from their game. Van Dijk is the complete package and I try to take all the one-percenters from his game, and I try to take the mentality and mindset from Vidić and Terry.

Biggest influence?
I would definitely say my dad and grandad. Being ex-professionals themselves, they have taught me all the ins and outs from a young age, which has stuck with me and helped me a lot.

Most talented teammate?
Adrian Blake, because of his dribbling ability and how he manages to keep the ball even when he has three players around him! If I can get the ball to him as quickly as possible then that’s what I will try to do.

Favourite football memory?
I would say my A-League debut for Perth Glory. It was a bit surreal, to be honest. If you had told me four or five months before that I would make my A-League debut I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Your aims for the future?
I want to play at the highest level for as long as possible. I want to have longevity in the game, that’s key. With the Under-21s I want to keep working with the club and keep developing alongside the players here.

Best advice you’ve received?
The advice that comes to mind is the harder you work, the luckier you get. That came from my dad, and it has just stuck with me since I was young.

Your job if you weren’t a footballer?
There really wasn’t anything on the radar other than football. It was always just football. I’m sure I would’ve gone into football in some aspect. If not playing, it would’ve been coaching, physio or as a sports scientist.

How would you rate yourself on FIFA?
Pace: 80 - I like to think I’m quick. I’m quick over a short distance.
Shooting: 60 - Not a huge part of my game other than getting on the end of set-pieces.
Passing: 73 - It’s an important part of a modern centre-back.
Dribbling: 55 - It’s something I’m working on.
Defending: 88 - The most important attribute in my position.
Physicality: 80 - It’s a big part of my game.
OVERALL: 78