Steven Berghuis admits it will be difficult to hold down a place in Watford’s first-team due to the number of quality additions the Hornets have made this summer.

The Dutch winger joined the Golden Boys from AZ Alkmaar but is just one of 13 signings who have arrived at Vicarage Road.

In Quique Sanchez Flores’ preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Berghuis is competing against Almen Abdi, Jose Manuel Jurado, Alessandro Diamanti, Odion Ighalo, Ikechi Anya, Miguel Layun, Matej Vydra and Fernando Forestieri for a starting berth.

“It is going to be hard, “Berghuis accepted. “There are a lot of options and also a lot of quality.

“I think I will have to show I can be important to the team. If I show that and I am scoring goals then I think I will have a starting position. I need to be creating chances and giving assists. I think then he (Flores) won’t take me out.”

Berghuis made his Premier League debut last Saturday against West Bromwich Albion. He was introduced with six minutes remaining but didn’t have enough time to affect the contest. The game ended goalless.

The Dutchman believes he is now ready to start for the Hornets but acknowledges he doesn’t yet have the stamina to finish the game.

That’s because he started pre-season training later than most of his teammates and the 23-year-old also missed the opening day draw with Everton due to a stomach illness which left him bedridden for most of the week.

“I have to get used to the intensity,” he said. “Football here is powerful and quick. It’s faster. It is normal if you go from Holland to England [that it will take time to adapt]. But if I get used to the differences hopefully I can show my qualities with the ball here.”

Berghuis, whose father Frank will be joining Watford’s coaching staff in the coming weeks, was the sole Dutchman in the diverse Hornets squad until the loan signing of Chelsea youngster Nathan Ake.

The winger is pleased his compatriot has joined the Golden Boys and he has been impressed with the Blues’ youngster.

“I didn’t know him before because he is a bit younger,” Berghuis said. “He moved to England early. “It’s nice there is another Dutchman here who speaks your language. It will help me.

"Nathan can play in many different positions. He is quick, strong, and athletic. He will be a boost for the team.”