Watford’s Dutch winger Steven Berghuis knows all about Southampton boss Ronald Koeman. And, interestingly, so does his Dad.

Frank Berghuis was also a winger. He spent the majority of his career in the Netherlands during the 1990s and earned one cap for his country. It was with the national team he played alongside the Saints manager.

“It was against Brazil. Not bad, right?” said the 23-year-old with a smile.“He played against Koeman and played with him. I’ve also played a couple of times in Holland against his teams. Everybody in Holland knows Ronald Koeman. I liked him growing up but he played before my time, I was too young.

“It will be nice to face him. The teams he coaches are good teams. They have a ittle bit Dutch influence. They keep the ball, keep it on the ground and have some creative players. That’s what I like.” 

Frank Berghuis knows football. He will be joining Watford shortly as part of the Hornets’ coaching staff. After all, he has raised two sons who have gone on to make it as professionals.

"He has always helped me," Watford's wideman said. "He let me play freely. He always supported me but wasn’t a critical coaching father.”

While Steven joined the Hornets from AZ Alkmaar this summer, Tristan Berghuis - who previously had trials at Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur - moved to PEC Zwolle.

“He was one of the biggest talents in Holland,” the Hornets winger said. “But he had a tough time at PSV and Vitesse which is why he decided to join Zwolle. He has taken a step back in order to take a bigger step forward.”

In contrast Steven had a difficult decision to make this summer. He was offered the chance of leaving everything he knew in Holland to join the newly promoted Hornets.

It was only after speaking to Queens Park Rangers’ midfielder Leroy Fer and Swansea’s Dwight Tiendalli he knew it was an opportunity he had to take.

“I had to do it,” he said. “In Holland the level is going down. Clubs in other countries don’t look a lot at Holland anymore to sign players because of that.”

Imports from the Eredivisie have had mixed success over the years. While the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie lit up the Premier League, Norwich City’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel and former Middlesbrough Afonso Alves had instantly forgettable spells.

“It’s really down to the person,” Berghuis said. “Maybe they didn’t fit in the team or they didn’t feel comfortable in this country.

“They had all the qualities and someone like Ricky van Wolfswinkel can score a lot of goals. Maybe it’s because they don’t feel comfortable in England.”

The winger continued: “I followed van Persie the most in my youth. Bergkamp a little bit too and van Nistelrooy. I think van Persie is my favourite of the three. Like me he is left-footed, creative and always tries to do good things. He's nice to watch.”

Berghuis is one of 12 signings made by Watford as the club look to build a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League.

The Hornets are hoping to quickly establish themselves in the top flight. Much like tomorrow's opponents Southampton have done.

“They are a good example for us,” said Berghuis. “They have a good vision and style of playing. If they lose one or two matches they keep on going. They don't change everything. I think that is the best way to make positive steps.”