What next for Valon Behrami?
Valon Behrami struggled to hold down a regular spot in Quique Sanchez Flores’ starting line-up this season but the Switzerland international has done just about enough to earn a place in their Euro 2016 squad. Behrami has made over 60 appearances for his country and has featured at four major tournaments since bursting onto the international stage in 2005.
Needs game time
However, his lack of form at club level and uncertain future will be of some concern to Swiss fans ahead of the tournament. Flores, who left Watford by mutual agreement at the end of the campaign, has dismissed Behrami in recent weeks and the 31-year-old’s last Premier League appearance came in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham back on April 20th.
Behrami has played for the likes of Napoli, Lazio and Fiorentina in the past and his pedigree certainly gives him a great chance of retaining his place as a Watford player under the new regime. On his day, the midfielder is capable of producing great things and Watford should at least consider offering him a new deal at the club.
Injury hit season
The Switzerland star has struggled with injury problems throughout the campaign but he could return better and stronger than ever, especially if he regains confidence at the Euros this summer. Without a shadow of a doubt, Behrami can lead Vladimir Petkovic’s men to the knockout stages of the competition, providing he is fit enough to start from the outset.
As for his future at Watford, it’s hard to make any concrete predictions. Former Inter Milan boss Walter Mazzarri now takes over the job and he may remember Behrami from his time in Italy. If he does, Behrami may have a place at Vicarage Road next season. If not, he might be on his way out of the club. It is as simple as that.
Potential suitors
And a number of clubs will be watching Behrami at the Euros this summer as they prepare to fight for the Swiss star’s signature. While he is no longer a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder, Behrami remains a real gem and he’s worth having for his experience if nothing else. He can provide plenty of useful advice to youngsters – both on the training ground and during matches.
Realistically, Behrami is never going to be the player that he was four or five years ago. His progress and development has been hampered by injuries, which is a shame considering his natural ability, vision and knowledge of the game. Despite his poor form this campaign, Behrami deserves a new contract – whether that’s at Watford or elsewhere.
A move back to Italy could well be on the cards if Behrami performs admirably for his nation this summer. While he enjoyed a successful spell at West Ham earlier in his career, Italy is his second home and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the 31-year-old earn a move back to Serie A. After all, his style seems to suit the Italian game much more than the Premier League.
Valon Behrami is a gifted footballer, there’s no doubt about that. Technically, he is competent and can more than hold his own in England’s top flight. However, he has lost that yard of pace and Watford cannot afford to carry any passengers in the midfield. It might be wise for Behrami and the Hornets to part ways in the coming weeks – especially as the 31-year-old approaches the twilight years of his career.