Watford Head Coach Slaven Bilić reserved special praise for Tom Dele-Bashiru, as the midfielder made his first start this season in the Hornets’ 0-0 draw with Hull City on Sunday afternoon (December 11).
Dele-Bashiru’s last league start was back in April on loan at Reading, having not been named in the Watford starting XI since October 2020 due to knee injuries.
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The 23-year-old has spent the World Cup break in full training with the group and making a positive impression on Bilić, who spoke in length to Dele-Bashiru about seizing the opportunity against the Tigers.
“When I arrived Tom didn’t play,” Bilić explained. “He was injured and played at Reading last season on loan. When he came back from injury we had a talk and he started to improve in training; it was like a pre-season for him.
“I told him, ‘you are there. Because of the situation in midfield you are definitely going to get a chance. Be ready for that’.
Dele-Bashiru put in a committed display at Vicarage Road, as Bilić effused about the former Nigeria youth international’s performance.
“I didn’t have any fear to put him in from the start because I saw him do well in training,” continued the Croatian.
“The way he played, for a player that hasn’t played this season, he played so maturely, with quality, passing forwards and keeping his position with good touches and intention, and on the front foot. It was a very, very good performance so well done to him.”
