While the national media focussed purely on his disallowed goal at the Etihad on Tuesday night, Kwadwo Baah’s performance against Manchester City had far more about it than one shoulder barge.

The 21-year-old has become increasingly impressive since the start of the season, though any fans who saw the forward during pre-season friendlies may well have noted the name then.

Baah had never kicked a ball for Watford in a competitive game before this season, having signed from Rochdale in 2021 and then undertaking spells on loan with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Burton Albion.

He now has seven appearances in the bank for the Hornets, and gave the vastly experienced England international John Stones a severe test on Tuesday.

What Baah doesn’t have, yet, is a start in the Championship, but Watford fans are not the only ones noticing the impact he’s making.

“He’s an eye-catcher certainly, and he has explosive qualities the like of which I’ve not seen before,” said head coach Tom Cleverley.

“He can beat a player one v one at ease.

“He’s powerful, and we saw that with the disallowed goal on Tuesday night, and he’s an exciting player.

“He knows where he needs to improve and he’s come this season with a fantastic attitude, to improve, work hard and listen.

“I’m really pleased that he’s seen the benefits of that on the pitch.”

At the other end of the experience scale is defender Angelo Ogbonna, whose debut for the Hornets in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup edged him further into the 500-senior career appearances  bracket.

“Angelo is what we need right now, and that’s an Italian-style defender: someone who values the art of defensive actions,” Cleverley stated.

“He organises the team and although he’s really experienced what we’re asking from him is a little bit different, especially in possession.

“He’s learning it very quickly because that’s what top players do.”

Behind Ogbonna on Tuesday night was keeper Jonathan Bond, who made a series of fine saves after the setback of conceding a goal so early.

“He was the last line of defence and while I didn’t think it was an absolute onslaught from City you are going to concede chances there because they’re that good,” said the Watford boss.

“Bondy is reliable, he’s calm and he’s someone I have absolutely no worries about stepping in and doing a great job.”

Another member of the squad yet to make a league start so far is Tom Ince, but with his three goals in the Carabao Cup he must be knocking on the door?

“Yeah he is,” said Cleverley.

“He’s an intelligent player who is very fit, and he puts a shift in.

“When you see his recovery runs for the team he’s giving his all, and he has high quality in his left foot.

“He is someone that is pushing for a start.”