Mileta Rajovic may well justifiably draw many of the headlines because of his late winner, but the Hornets head coach was quick to highlight the all-round display given by the Georgian international. A success for his country at the Euro 24 finals, Chakvetadze continued that form when he returned for the second half of pre-season, and then showed at The Den just why he will be a key figure for Watford this season. With 100% of his aerial duals won, 100% crossing accuracy and 100% long-ball accuracy, and 31 of 37 passes overall being successful, Chakvetadze’s stats backed up exactly what made Cleverley sing his praises.
“He showed sheer class in the last three games of pre-season and then today again,” said Cleverley. “He’s in a really good moment and he’s someone I enjoy watching train and play. “It was a beautiful strike and I thought his all-round performance was top today.
“Quality strike and a quality performance.” Was the Hornets boss expecting a shot when Chakvetadze was stood over the ball at the free-kick? “Yeah I was. When I saw the left-footer step away from the ball, I was expecting a shot,” he said.
“It was a sweet strike but I can’t take any credit for it. It’s not something that we practice week in, week out, taking 25-yard free kicks. “He just showed his class in that moment.
” There would have few, if any, who predicted Watford’s first two goals of the season would come from set pieces – and surely nobody had Edo Kayembe dire.