Bought from RSC Charleroi towards the end of January for around £4.5m, Dodi Lukebakio has, so far, only played 15 minutes under Javi Gracia.
However, the 20-year-old, who had scored three goals and picked up four assists in 21 appearances for the Belgian side prior to his move to Vicarage Road, is happy to patiently wait for his turn.
Called up to the Belgium U21s during the international break, Lukebakio sat down with DH and agreed to open up about his first few months in England.
Explaining that, despite not playing, he’s still ‘learning a lot’ at Watford, the young forward admits it might take him some time to get used to the physical side of the game: “In training, my ankles are getting hit quite a few times (laughs). I need to be patient, gain experience and prove I can play at this level”.
Lukebakio also revealed what went through his head when he came on off the bench against West Ham back on February 10th: “It was very special. A bit weird, even. Like I didn’t realise where I was. I told myself ‘Oh yeah, I’m Dodi and I’m playing in the Premier League’.”
Once again reiterating that he needs to be patient before making a name for himself in this Watford team, the former Charleroi starlet has set himself the goal of being fully ready for next season if he can’t do that straight away.
As for how the transfer came about in the first place: “During January, I wasn’t thinking about leaving. However, when you get offers, you obviously look at them… Then I saw Watford’s, and my decision was taken straight away.
“I didn’t hesitate. It needed to get done around me, between the clubs, but I think everyone found what they wanted, especially me, who got to realise my dream. That’s what’s most important because I didn’t want to go somewhere because of somebody else”.
As simple as that.
