João Pedro says he is learning a lot from returning captain Troy Deeney after the pair combined to inspire Watford to a 4-1 win over Preston yesterday.
Introduced after a first-half hamstring injury to Andre Gray, the Brazilian added the fourth goal after his strike partner had already scored one from the spot and assisted another for Nathaniel Chalobah.
“I am happy for him [Deeney] to start his first game of the season,” said João Pedro. “I think he is very important for us as a captain and a leader, so I am pleased for him.
“He is an experienced player, he is very strong and he helps me a lot because he can control the ball, protect the ball and it helps me to play.
“I am learning a lot from Troy and I hope I can learn as much as I can from playing with him. I want to improve as a player and become an important player for the club.”
That’s five goals for the season now for the 19-year-old, who is pleased with how quickly he is getting used to the quirks of Championship football.
“I am really happy with my performance, but I am especially happy with the result,” he said.
“I am adapting very quickly to the new football. It is very different to Brazil but I am happy with how I am playing and I am learning every day.”
