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I must confess that I, like most here, probably don't know much about Watford's new signing Nordin Amrabat. Having arrived for a club record fee of 6.7mil (or 6.1mil according to who's reporting) the Dutch-born Moroccan winger joins Quique Flores's side in the midst of a fine inaugural season. Watford currently find themselves in 12th after their 3rd consecutive loss in the league at the hands of Swansea City. How can Nordin Amrabat assimilate into his new side and what potential does this have for fantasy managers?
Who is Nordin Amrabat?
Nordin Amrabat arrived from Malaga having previously recorded 8 goals and 12 assists in 58 matches for the Spanish club. The Dutch-born Moroccan winger has had previous spells with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, scoring 9 goals and 9 assists in 57 appearances, and Turkish giants Galatasaray, scoring 1 goal and making just 7 assists in 34 appearances. The player, born in Holland, had represented the Dutch at international youth level with one senior call up, declared for Morocco and played in two African Cup of Nation tournaments and the 2012 Olympics.
What impact will Amrabat have on the Watford starting 11?
According to Watford manager, Quique Flores, the Hornets have been fatigued by a compact Premier League fixture list that has left his side feeling strained and fatigued. Having relied upon just 14 senior players this season, Watford will welcome the addition of midfielder Amrabat, who will add fresh legs and energy to the squad. Only 11pts from relative safety (40pts being the goal), the former Malaga winger will be looking to make an immediate impact to stop a poor run of results. Having shelled out a club record fee for the Moroccan, one can assume Amrabat will play a vital role in the second half of Watford's season.
What potential does Amrabat have for your fantasy selection?
Amrabat's previous spells at clubs like PSV, Galatasaray, and Malaga haven't produced a prolific scoring/assist ratio that screams automatic fantasy selection, but each league is different. What Amrabat undoubtedly offers is a new option for Quique Flores to unleash on the Premier League. Whether or not he gets his starts right away or is eased into the side will be determined. Amrabat appears to be comfortable on the ball, intent on attacking fullbacks, has taken PK duty, and good vision for the incisive pass. Fantasy wise, I call for a wait and see approach, as with any January signing to the Premier League, until said player can find their feet. But Nordin Amrabat could prove to be a useful fantasy asset.
Cheers,
Kellz