Roberto Pereyra can play a pivotal role for Watford this season after starting the campaign in flying fashion, according to Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The Argentine winger scored both goals as the Hornets eased to a commanding 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, with his first strike, a rasping first-time volley, being particularly memorable.

Doucoure, who played the full game despite not playing a minute of pre-season action, feels Pereyra is just picking up from where he left of last term and will be important to Watford this.

Doucoure said: “I think he finished the season really well last year and he is in the same way. He was the best player on the pitch today and I am very happy for him because he works hard.

“He has a lot of talent and I think he will be a very important player for us this season.

“When you see him fit he is one of the best players of course. He knows his body and knows his quality when his is fit. We saw a lot of his qualities today.”

On a personal note, Saturday’s win was a successful outing for Doucoure as he showed no signs of struggling with the pace of the game despite his disrupted pre-season.

Appendicitis ensured friendlies were not an option, but Doucoure believes he will only improve in the coming weeks after getting his campaign underway at the Vic.

He said: “I had a little problem so I didn’t play any games and it was tough.

“I am very happy because the team helped me out and everybody was very involved, very fit and I am happy to come back today. I will be improving over the next few weeks.”