Tom Cleverley says he doesn’t think there is a better player in one-v-one situations than Kwadwo Baah.

The young forward delivered another stellar cameo performance from the bench, winning the penalty that earned three points in the 2-1 win over Sunderland – and generally running the visitors ragged for the quarter of an hour he was on the pitch.

That followed a highly-impressive display against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, which left many thinking Baah was overdue a start in a league game.

The latter was not lost on Cleverley either.

“One v one I don’t think there will be any better player in the league,” he said of the 21-year-old.

“He is so skilful, so explosive, so powerful and direct.

“He’s been excellent for us this season, and that will pose the question why is he not in the team every week?

“I understand that question, and he just needs to be fitter, to be able to repeat these sprints, and value the out-of-possession stuff.

“But he is winning games for us right now and I’m so pleased for him because his attitude has been excellent this season.”

There was something of a surprise when the teams were announced as Vakoun Bayo returned to the starting line-up ahead of Daniel Jebbison.

“Bayo makes us solid out of possession, and I know that sounds strange that you’re picking strikers based on that right now,” the Watford boss explained.

“It’s really close between the two of them, but after the Norwich performance and being so open I wanted someone who is good pressing, good structurally, and keeps us solid.

“Bayo’s goals are going to come. He keeps getting in the right place, and you can see his quality in the goal he scored against Derby.

“Jebbison brings us a different threat with his pace, and he can finish when he gets opportunities.

“I won’t be getting caught up on the chance he missed at Norwich, because every day on the training pitch I see that he’s a much better finisher than that.

“I said earlier in the season the No.9s do a massive job for the team, and you can see that because our wing-backs and No.10s are having a lot of goal involvements.

“The goals for the No.9s will come and they need to believe that, but they are doing a fantastic job for the team.”