Samuel Kalu: Watford’s Bilic gushes about Nigeria forward

Watford boss Slaven Bilic has tagged Samuel Kalu as a very valuable player after he came off the bench to inspire the Hornets to a 1-0 win against Wigan.

With scores tied 0-0, the Nigeria international was introduced in the 68th minute for Ken Sema.

His introduction changed the dimension of Watford’s game as he pressured defenders from the left and right wings, and that helped them get the in the 89th minute courtesy of Brazilian Joao Pedro.

The 54-year-old waxed lyrical about the Super Eagles – whom he is expecting a lot from in the 2022-23 campaign.

“He’s a player that has got more than something,” Bilic said as quoted by Watford Observer.

“He wasn’t fit when we arrived, he still isn’t fully fit, but he’s got something special: a change of pace, a change of direction, good on the ball.

“His first touch and movement are good, he strikes a ball well. He’s a very useful player and we are expecting a lot from him.”

An injury suffered last season has kept Kalu out of game time so far in this campaign, only making four appearances overall and accumulating 71 minutes of playing time.

The Nigerian could finally be handed a start when the Hornets travel to take on Cardiff City in another league fixture at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday.