A few seasons ago, Tom Cleverley laughed when discussing the '30 club’, and the theory that when a professional footballer’s aged ticked over from 29, they were basically heading out to pasture for grazing.

Now head coach at the club, he continues to draw on his own experiences of playing into his 30s when discussing the likes of Moussa Sissoko and new signing Angelo Ogbonna.

The latter has now been confirmed as having agreed a one-year deal with Watford, that has the option of a further year at the end of it.

The former West Ham and Juventus defender is 36, but just like Sissoko arrives at Vicarage Road with hundreds of top-level appearances under his belt – not to mention two Serie A winners medals, a Europa League win with the Hammers and 13 caps for Italy.

“Angelo is a little bit like Moussa in terms of his experience, his intelligence and his leadership skills,” said Cleverley.

“He has a strong personality, and it all adds up to him being a player who makes a good signing for us.

“I think everyone can agree on the positive impact Moussa has had since he came back to the club, and I’m looking for the same from Angelo.

“He won’t walk into the team next week though, because he’s not done a pre-season and also the guys who play in his position are doing really well.

“But he is someone that I believe will have a massive impact on and off the pitch.”

With Wes Hoedt moving to Saudi Arabia, the signing of Ogbonna fills the gap at the back, offering experience and a left-footed option.

“He is a great replacement for Wes because he has on-the-ball qualities, organisation and leadership qualities, and is just one of those guys you want to have in the building,” said Cleverley.

“When you are an opposition player lining up and you see Watford with players who have 70-odd caps for France, 13 caps for Italy, and 200 or so Premier League games each, then you’ll be thinking ‘this team’s got a bit of substance about it’.

“Angelo, like Moussa, is a fantastic professional. When you look after yourself as well as those guys do, the ageing process is very slow.”

Cleverley has no concerns about the fitness and longevity of Watford’s latest ‘30 club’ member.

“Being in the middle of the three is the position where organisation, leadership and game understanding are top of the list of attributes you need.

“Less important are stamina, aerobic capacity and things like that.

“He’s in physically good shape all the same, but it’s the other parts of his game that will really be good for us.”

Does that suggest the new signing won’t play on the left of the three?

“The landscape of who plays where is never simple, and currently Sierralta is doing a fantastic job for us and Morris has come in and been great,” said Cleverley.

“But ultimately at the minute we have three centre backs and a full-back for the three centre back positions.

“So Angelo comes in and adds another quality option, but we still need to add one more as well.”