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From not knowing he signed for Watford, to being frozen out of the team by QSF, offering fans out away at Southampton last season, Jose Holebas has reformed himself as a key player in Javi Gracia’s side. Under Quique Sanchez Flores, Holebas rarely played after the coach singled him out as to why Watford didn’t beat Everton on the opening day of the season. Now bare in mind that Holebas wasn’t overly sold on the idea of joining Watford, and now the manager is blaming you for two points dropped on your debut. As you probably guessed, it didn’t end well as Nathan Ake was the preferred choice to him. In fairness to Holebas, when he did step in, I personally thought he made us look a better team. However, the way QSF had us set up, it didn’t benefit Holebas’ attributes. Fast forward to Walter Mazzarri’s time at Watford, but this time Holebas was used in a position that was more beneficial to him as a left wing back. Did it go to plan? Not really as the defence that season was all over the place, you could tell the language barrier was a huge issue. Despite playing in a more favoured role, Holebas’ average position that season was even more defensive than it was under QSF when he played. Holebas still ended the season as Watford’s joint highest assister with 4. Which leads us to Jose Holebas today. What’s changed? What’s different this time around? The answer is so simple yet genius from Gracia. A slight position change and more involvement is the key to Holebas being superb at 34. It’s amazing what a good man manager can do for a players confidence isn’t it?. Often criticised for his demeanour on the pitch prior to this season, Holebas only cares about winning. When asked about this, he said “I’m a happy person, but on the pitch what is there to laugh about? Football is serious business” – an elite mentality I would say. He was also asked about why he picks up yellow cards and replied with the following “If I have to foul to stop the opponent scoring a goal, I’m doing it – I don’t care. If there is danger from a counter attack and you have to stop it, there’s no decision to make. You take the yellow card” Back to Gracia and Holebas. As I was saying, Gracia has involved Jose more and more in the entirety of the game compared to what QSF and Mazzarri had him do, which was sit deep, don’t defend and try and get forward. Under Gracia, Holebas has improved a big amount defensively and going forward he’s Watford’s main outlet. The first picture shows that Holebas is picking his passes better and his set pieces have improved considerably and the second is his defensive quality with the last three managers. 51 out of 70 under Gracia, 17/70 under Silva and 37/70 under Mazzarri. What the metric here is that if Holebas was to tackle, intercept or go up for a header, he’d win it 51 times out of 70. 17 under Silva, my good god.

I mentioned previously that Gracia changed his position. Under Mazzarri and QSF, he just sat back and didn’t contribute to what he should be. With the skillset that Holebas possesses, it didn’t take Gracia long to work him out, aided with the help of Adam Masina who has pushed him to his best in training. Just look at the difference of his average position under Gracia, he’s basically playing as a left winger. I like to see if coaches did the same at his previous clubs and what do you know, Gracia used almost the same match formation and roles with his time at Malaga. Arthur Boka and Juankar basically in the same position as Pereyra and Holebas. This doesn’t mean he’s been shying away defensively. Holebas is joint second for most tackles with Doucourè on 57, third in ground duels won per game with 3.7, fourth in clearances per game with 3.2 and second in tackles won per game with 1.5. His one v one defending is also brilliant as well. This against Walcott particularly was my favourite – didn’t even look at the man, just eyes on the ball, takes it from him and sets up an attack.

Don’t be fooled by his age either, yes he’s 34 but his recovery speed is magnificent. Richarlison and Antonio both have a 3/4 yard head start on Holebas and he still gets there ahead of them. The man has gone up a level under Javi. Being a full back these days is probably the hardest job in football as you have to do a bit of everything. You have to contribute in every aspect of the game, and Holebas is doing just that. His left foot is superb, so good that he’s got the most assists for Watford this season with 7, and it’s clear to see why. These are just three examples of what he’s been doing all season. It’s not just hopeful long balls, it’s clever accurate passing. You have to question other managers as to why it’s taken this long for someone to utilise Holebas in the correct way. He’s second for xA with 0.18 and third for key passes p/g with 1.39. The most? Issac Success with 1.82. Holebas has been a huge part in Watford’s challenge for Europe this season, and it’s come as a surprise to us as most fans couldn’t believe he got a new contract! – you’ve certainly told us Jose. From villain to hero in under a year, Watford’s very own Venom.