'Nigerian Eden Hazard' Singled Out For Special Praise by Watford U23 Coach

Published: December 18, 2018

Nigeria U20 invitee Jayden Bennetts was one of the players singled out for special praise by Watford U23 coach Darren Sarll despite his side losing 2-1 to Bristol City in a Professional Development League fixture on Monday.

The experienced Bristol City team contained goalkeeper Frank Fielding, Australia international Bailey Wright, England Under-21 star Jay Dasilva , striker Mohamed Eisa and Nigerian midfielder Hakeeb Adelakun.

Bennetts,who has been likened to Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard, made his second start for the Hornets U23s against Bristol City and the attacking midfielder gave a good account of himself.

''I thought the midfield three were excellent. That’s the midfield three in the Under-18s and they are playing well against players with Football League pedigree,'' said Sarll to Watford's official website.

''Imaad Sankoh is still only a first-year scholar and he seems to thrive on stepping-up. Dan Phillips was terrific again and that was Jayden Bennetts’ first real start in there at this level and he stood up.....''

He added : ''This is the stage where there needs to be an evolution of players. The Under-16s who are going to be full-time next year need to be playing for the Under-18 team and the scholars need to step up and show they can handle Under-23s football.

''We’ve already got really promising signs from Dan Phillips, Imaad and Jayden.''

Jayden Bennetts was called up to train with the Flying Eagles ahead of the recently concluded WAFU B U20 Tournament.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel