After an intense period of transfer speculation, João Pedro and Ismaïla Sarr stole the headlines once more but this time for their stand-out contributions to Watford’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
João Pedro was heavily involved in both goals, earning the Sky Sports Man of the Match award, while Sarr combined with the Brazilian to score an important first-half equaliser that Head Coach Rob Edwards described afterwards as ‘sublime’.
“It [the Sarr goal] was excellent,” enthused Edwards. “It’s two very good players at the top of their game in that moment.
“It was everything you want from players with that kind of ability – the way they moved, the pass of the ball to Isma’s correct foot, the touch, the shot, the finish – it was very, very good.”
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Both players have been linked with moves away from Vicarage Road during recent weeks, but Edwards insists they’ve maintained an excellent level of professionalism throughout.
Asked specifically about João Pedro, he said: “I thought he was excellent but we’ve never been able to question his commitment in any of these games.
“With all the speculation, he’s never once come in and sulked or moaned and it’s the same for Isma. They’ve been brilliant through a really difficult period for them.
“They’re young men and they performed brilliantly tonight again for this football club and it’s been a big part of us getting the three points.”
Facing several questions in his post-match press conference about the final two days of the transfer window, Edwards simply stated: “Time will tell.
“There’s been a lot of genuine interest because they’re good players and we’ll see how the next couple of days pan out, but I’m confident that by the close of the window we’ll be in a good place.
“They were great tonight and you could see their commitment to the football club. They’re with us, you could see them celebrating afterwards and in the changing room. I’m confident that they’re in a good place when they’re here at this football club but time will tell in the next couple of days.”
