Although the Chilean was used in his more accustomed central defensive role when needed during Saturday’s 2-1 friendly defeat at Crystal Palace, he again pushed further into midfield when his side were in possession, allowing Imran Louza and Tom Dele-Bashiru to try and push further forward.
The 26-year-old explained that playing as a pivot in midfield is not strange to him.
“I really like to play a little further forward,” he said. “When I was young I played there a lot, as a number six, so it’s not completely new. Sometimes we play with three at the back, and sometimes I’m up front, and so far I’ve liked it.”
Two second-half goals from Odsonne Edouard, with a fine finish from the edge of the box by Edo Kayembe, secured victory for the Premier League side, but the Hornets impressed with their pressure, structure and approach to the task, particularly in the first 45 minutes.
Sierralta said: “It was a good test against a good team. It was intense, and I thought we played really well, especially in the first half.
“We pressed and kept the ball, and I think that will serve us well ahead of the first game against QPR.
“We faced good teams in Arsenal and Crystal Palace and we did well. We know we just have to keep going, keep pushing like we did today and show what we can do.”
Watford now have two weeks to go before they kick off their new Championship season against Queens Park Rangers at Vicarage Road and Sierralta is confident their preparations are on track.
“I think the team is almost ready,” he said. “We’ve got to keep doing what we’ve been doing, but I’m definitely excited to get back out there and start the new season again.”
Source: Sierralta pleased with Watford display in Crystal Palace friendly
