‘Dennis is not a normal man’ – Watford boss Ranieri heaps praise on Nigerian star

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri showered praises on Emmanuel Dennis, who’s been outstanding for the Hornets this season.

Dennis became Watford’s leading goalscorer after netting his sixth league goal of the season in their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Nigerian moved to Watford from Club Brugge in June, but Ranieri could recall when the player scored a brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League in October 2019 and believes such a feat distinguishes him as an outstanding player.

“I’m not surprised because he [Dennis] is a very good player,” Ranieri told the club’s website.

“He scored twice at the Bernabeu [Real Madrid’s home]! Anyone who scores two at the Bernabeu is not a normal man. He has speed, intelligence, he is generous, and I like how he plays.

“He has to improve because he is young, but I have a very good relationship with him, and all of my players.”

Dennis will seek to keep inspiring the Hornets as they try to move up the league standings.

They are 17th in the Premier League table with 13 points after 14 matches, and face Manchester City next.