Watford star Ken Sema is eager to carry his impressive international form into his club campaign as he prepares to face Birmingham City at Vicarage Road on Saturday (September 16, 3pm KO).
The versatile player recently returned from a successful break with his native Sweden, where the 29-year-old notched an assist during a 5-0 victory against Estonia before earning the Player of the Match award in a 3-1 defeat to Austria.
Reflecting on his time away with his national side, Sema explained how much he enjoys making the temporary switch from Watford yellow to Swedish yellow.
“The international break has been good for me,” Sema began. “I played two matches and I’m really happy with it. I’m always proud to play for my country because it’s a special feeling.
“I’m usually not involved in the starting XI so to get to play two games and start them both means a lot. I got to play in Stockholm in front of my friends and family which was a big thing and really special.
“We beat Estonia and it was a really good game – I got an assist and felt that I played well. I got the ball, one against one, I put in a decent cross and it was a good goal [from Alexander Isak]. I usually put in some decent crosses, even [at Watford]! I got Player of the Match in the next game against Austria, but that was a tough one because they won.”
Focusing on life away from the pitch, Sema also spoke about what he gets up to in his free time during his week back home.
He continued: “I had a day with my family over in Sweden and it was nice to see my wife and my kids, my parents and my siblings. It’s always nice to be home. In the camp I have a lot of friends including Dejan Kulusevski who plays for Tottenham Hotspur.
“I always enjoy playing for Sweden because, for me, it was a dream I had ever since I was a kid. To play for your country is a special feeling. To see full stadia, all the talk in the country is about the match, the media, my family – it’s a big occasion. It’s a special feeling for sure.”
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Turning his attention back to the Hornets and the next Sky Bet Championship encounter, Sema has a strong record against Birmingham City and is excited to take on the Blues once again.
“They are a strong and physical team,” he said. “When we have a good team [and performance], we have to beat them whether it’s at home or away. I have good memories against them having scored and assisted a couple of times.
“So far, I think this season has been good. There has been a lot of change; a new gaffer, new players and a new way of playing. I have played different roles like left-back, right winger and left winger. I like it and I think we have something big going on here.
“How we are training at the moment and how the coach is, I think [the playing style] requires time. I think that we are on to something good. We have a good squad, a mix of youth, experience and quality. I’m looking forward to it.”
