Thursday 7 September 2017 17:59, UK
Watford manager Marco Silva insists there are no guaranteed places in his starting line-up following the Deadline Day signings of Marvin Zeegelaar and Orestis Karnezis.
Silva secured the services of Greek keeper Karnezis and Dutch left-back Zeegelaar on August 31, adding to the record-signing of Andre Gray for £18m in August, leaving the Portuguese with 13 new arrivals at Vicarage Road this summer.
The signing of Zeegelaar - who adds support to Watford's left-back options - will supply competition to Jose Holebas, a factor Silva wants to apply across the whole of his squad, meaning starting positions are no longer certain for any of his players.
"It's good - it's a normal situation," Silva said when asked if Zeegelaar's arrival is healthy competition to Holebas.
"First, it is the best option for me and the club, and for Jose. He has a player competing for his position and I want him to work hard every day to keep his position.
"We don't sign anybody to be number one or number two. I didn't sign Marvin to be the second left-back, we sign Marvin to come to play for Watford.
"It is my decision to be in the first XI or not. When they come here it is because we believe in them and because they are ready to play."
Silva's side have started their Premier League campaign successfully thanks to five points from their opening three games, including a 2-0 win away at Bournemouth.
The Portuguese boss is content with what he has seen so far and believes the recent international break has helped strengthen his squad further ahead of their trip to Southampton on Saturday.
"Yes I am happy - we have got important points," Silva added.
"In some moments of the match, we showed good football. And most important to me is the commitment we show, the attitude we put in every match is really important."
The Hornets boss confirmed defender Darryl Janmaat is to return to the squad for Saturday's clash with Southampton, while Younes Kaboul could also feature as Watford seek to make it two wins from four league games.
