Watford’s £1m gamble on Quina already looking like a bargain
West Ham United’s loss looked to be Watford’s gain after Domingos Quina became the club’s youngest Premier League scorer to cap another mature display and seal his side’s first victory in seven games.
Quina turned 19 only last month but has been turning heads for some time as one of Portugal’s most talented prospects, helping them win the European Championship at under-17 and under-19 levels.
His pedigree is unquestioned, as the son of former Benfica and Portugal defender Samuel Quina, and the youngster developed in the Lisbon club’s academy, before moving to Chelsea’s youth ranks.
Arsenal and Barcelona were both interested in signing him, but he chose to join West Ham two years ago in search of a quicker path to first-team football. But after making his debut in the Europa League at 16, he rarely got near the first team and decided to leave this summer.
Watford snapped him up for £1 million, and appear to have a bargain. Quina had been impressive last Monday on his full Premier League debut, at Everton, and again on Saturday he caught the eye with an all-action display topped off with a superb goal.
Relatively short and slight, with a physique not unlike N’golo Kante’s, the Portuguese shares the same dynamism as the Frenchman and looks like he will be a huge asset to Watford, who signed him with minutes to spare on deadline day in August.
“I think it was very close, but I couldn’t tell you how many minutes,” Quina said. “I don’t worry about off-field things. My main feeling was that I did not want to leave England so I wanted to go for it.”
His lack of opportunities at West Ham influenced his decision, and he is determined to make the most of it. “Yes, that’s my main focus, to get as many games as I can and gain experience and try to get better. I am very settled because I am doing well. I have always wanted to be playing first-team football and the manager and Watford are giving me the chance to do that.”
Javi Gracia is delighted with his acquisition. “I didn’t know much about Domingos before he came,” said the Watford manager. “Now I can see him every day in training. It is enough for me to see his level, his desire and his ambition. It is good for me to work with these young players.”
Gracia is not concerned about his size. “I don’t know if he is big or small – he is a good player and that is the most important thing. You have to put players in.
“I have done it at other clubs: Pablo Fornals at Malaga who is now at Villarreal, Samu Castillejo who is now playing at AC Milan. You just have to put them on the pitch and, if they are good, then you can see their level. It is up to them and he [Domingos] is doing it.”
Quina got his chance because Etienne Capoue was suspended and experienced midfielders Will Hughes and Tom Cleverley were injured. Cleverley made his comeback as a late substitute against Cardiff, who rallied with late goals from Junior Hoilett and Bobby Reid after Gerard Deulofeu, Jose Holebas and Quina had put Watford 3-0 ahead.
Capoue will be available again, but Quina may have earned his place. “This is competitiveness,” added Gracia.
“We need it because all of them are playing well with better results. Now I have a difficult decision to choose the players who will play the next game. It is good for the players, team and the club.”
The fact Watford’s next game is at West Ham adds spice for Quina, who was diplomatic in not commenting on his reasons for leaving. “I want to play as many games as I can, not only because it is West Ham,” he said.
“I am just trying to reach my targets, one of which was to be playing in the Premier League. I regard myself in a high place. People can think I’m not good enough to play in the Premier League, but I think I am good enough. Game by game I can show that. I see myself at Watford. If I can get 10-15 games this season, it would be a great achievement for me personally.”