Watford manager Vladimir Ivić has told summer signing Francisco Sierralta that he must ‘show us his level’ if he to establish himself in the first team.
The Chilean centre-back arrived at Vicarage Road in a move from Watford’s sister club Udinese in the summer, one of seven new arrivals at the club.
Unlike his fellow arrivals at the club, though, he is yet to establish himself in the first team, making just two appearances in the EFL Cup and sitting on the bench for four of Watford’s Championship games thus far.
That has naturally raised questions, but Ivić insists he simply has to prove he is worthy of replacing one of his teammates.
“He’s a great kid, a very good guy and he’s working hard every practice,” he told AND.
While Sierralta has not been featuring for Watford, he has been playing for his country, Chile, in their World Cup qualifiers.
The 23-year-old started both of his nation’s recent qualification games, playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 draw with Uruguay and then 22 in the draw with Colombia back in October.
That tally is likely to increase in the next international break; something Ivić is more than comfortable with.
“We are happy with his matches with Chile,” he added.
“I know he played a great game against Uruguay, but in his position, I also have three other players who are international in their countries.”
