Bilic explains why Kalu jumped over Super Eagles-eligible winger into the Watford squad

Watford manager Slaven Bilić has explained why Nigeria international Samuel Kalu is ahead of talented Super Eagles-eligible youngster Joseph Hungbo in the pecking order of wingers at the club.  

For the first time in twelve matches across all competitions, Hungbo was omitted from the Hornets matchday squad in a 2-1 home win versus Norwich City this past weekend. 

Kalu was named in the matchday squad against the Canaries - a decision that saw Hungbo not dressed for the game. 

In what  was his second squad involvement in the current season after recovering from a hamstring injury, the former Bordeaux star entered the game as a substitute for the final one minute of normal time. 

Bilic waxed lyrical about Kalu, highlighting the qualities he can bring to the team especially when he is in tiptop condition. 

In quotes relayed by Watford Observer, the Croatian legend said : "If I was picking a squad based on mentality, determination and hard work then Hungbo would be in the First XI. He is a very good lad.

"But I also spoke with Kalu, because when I came here I was told his fitness levels were not good. I couldn’t understand how that could be when he wasn’t injured when I arrived, they had time to work on him and that shouldn’t be the case.

"In the last 10 days or so, since Blackpool, I have talked with Kalu a few times, he is training very well, and we can see in him something that makes us smile."

Bilic added : "He can beat players in a one v one, and the reason why he jumped over Joseph into the squad was he is showing us he can make a difference on the pitch.

"Offensively he has got something that not many players here have. He has that explosion and sharpness.

"He is a very interesting player. He’s still not totally fit but he can be an impact player for us, 25 or 30 minutes maybe."

Kalu has struggled with fitness problems since landing at Watford in the January transfer window, making only five appearances from a possible thirty three in all competitions. 

The 25-year-old has been in the international wilderness for over a year, with his last appearance for the Super Eagles coming against Central African Republic in a World Cup qualifier on October 7, 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : watfordfc.com

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