It’s often easy to forget that many of the current Watford squad were playing teammates of Tom Cleverley before he retired.

Indeed, it’s only a little more than two years ago that Cleverley started a game at Vicarage Road for the final time and scored his last goal for the club – a 1-0 win over Burnley on August 12, 2022.

In the team that night were Francisco Sierralta, Ken Sema and Edo Kayembe, while on the bench were Jeremy Ngakia and Vakoun Bayo.

So the head coach knew many of those he now manages as individuals and teammates, and can see the progress they are making.

One case in point is defender Mattie Pollock, who has been dominant in every game so far this season, and was given the captain’s armband for the Carabao Cup win over MK Dons.

“He has been really consistent for us all season,” said Cleverley.

“The amount of aerial duels he wins and how well he does the basics, but then his quality on the ball – and that is the big difference I see in the Mattie that I played with to the Mattie being his coach.

“I see how much he is progressing on the ball and he’s turning into a really important player for us.”

Bayo was on the bench when Cleverley last scored for Watford – those roles were reversed against Derby.

“It’s great technique,” said the Watford boss, referring to the striker’s stunning bicycle kick.

“We spoke to Bayo beforehand. He does an absolutely fantastic job for the team, and before the game we said that for the work you do, you deserve to get goals.

“Now If I’m honest I’d probably prefer it to be a six-yard box goal, but today he’s showed his quality and it was a fantastic goal.”

As for the winner, while Moussa Sissoko rightly gets the plaudits for his calm finish, the chance was created by an excellent run and cross from Kwadwo Baah.

“He’s been a real impact player for us in both the last two games,” said Cleverley.

“Now the challenge for him is to make a play for the shirt and be as productive when he starts.

“I’ve been really pleased with the output he’s had.

“Like Rocco Vata, he’s a player we need to work with on the out-of-possession side of the game.

“But as far as one-v-one explosive qualities, and really having a moment in him to change a game, he’s doing excellently.”