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Tom Dele-Bashiru: Slaven Bilic lauds Nigerian’s display against Hull City
By Olu Dare
Watford boss Slaven Bilic has reserved special praise for Tom Dele-Bashiru, as the midfielder played his first start this season in the Hornets’ 0-0 draw with Hull City.
The former Nigeria youth international last league start was back in April on loan at Reading, having not been named in the Watford starting XI since October 2020 due to knee injuries.
Dele-Bashiru had spent the World Cup break in full training with the group and making a positive impression on Bilic, who spoke in length to Dele-Bashiru about seizing the opportunity against the Tigers.
“When I arrived Tom didn’t play,” the manager told the club website. “He was injured and played at Reading last season on loan.
“When he came back from injury we had a talk and he started to improve in training; it was like a pre-season for him.
“I told him, ‘you are there. Because of the situation in midfield you are definitely going to get a chance. Be ready for that’.
“I didn’t have any fear to put him in from the start because I saw him do well in training,” continued the Croatian.
“The way he played, for a player that hasn’t played this season, he played so maturely, with quality, passing forwards and keeping his position with good touches and intention, and on the front foot. It was a very, very good performance so well done to him.”
