Iker Bravo is making a significant impact in a new attacking role for Watford. The 21-year-old is now being deployed as an attacking midfielder and winger, a tactical shift that appears to be unlocking his potential at Vicarage Road.
This positional change comes as Watford seek solutions during a tough start to the Championship season. The Hornets sit 20th in the table with eight points from eight games, having lost four of their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 1-0 defeat away to Bristol City last Friday, where Dominic Ballard's first-half strike proved decisive.
A new lease of life
Bravo's adaptation to a more advanced, creative role has been a notable development. Operating behind the striker or out wide, he is being asked to influence games in the final third more directly. This move capitalises on his technical ability and vision, offering a different dimension to Watford's attack.
"He is playing as an Attacking Midfielder and Winger," a source close to the player said. The club's coaching staff are understood to be pleased with his application and the early signs of progress in these positions.
Context of a challenging campaign
Watford's need for attacking spark is clear. They have scored just seven goals in the league this season, with striker Amin Nabizada leading the way with three. The team's form reads LLWLL over the last five games, a run that includes narrow losses to Stoke City and West Brom. You can review the full sequence of results on our fixtures page.
The 2-1 victory over Preston North End earlier this month, secured with a late winner, remains their only win since late August. Sitting nine points behind early leaders Swansea City, every positive individual performance is valuable.
What comes next
Attention now turns to halting the slide and building momentum. Watford's next opportunity comes at home against Burnley on 10 October. Burnley currently occupy 24th place, making it a key fixture for both sides near the bottom of the standings.
The continued development of Iker Bravo in his versatile attacking role will be one of the subplots to watch as Watford prepare for that match. His ability to create and score could be key in turning their season around. The Hornets will be looking to end a run of two consecutive defeats when they return to action.
