Abdoulaye Doucoure has all the attributes to reach the “next level”, according to Watford head coach Marco Silva.

The midfield man has caught the eye with a run of fine performances this term, including goalscoring displays against Liverpool and Southampton, and has himself targeted becoming one of the Premier League’s leading lights.

Such ambition is admirable and Silva says the hardworking 24-year-old has an abundance of talent which he can develop.

“I see in him fantastic skills. Of course everything is new to him; how we try to play in some moments. Firstly, he’s a worker, after he is a player with very good skills,” Silva said.

“Until now he is progressing really, really well. He’s one player I believe he can improve his football and play at the next level.

“I want Doucoure and everybody focussed in his work and focussed on Watford.”

Of course, such form brings with it admiring glances from potential suitors and it could be the case that to fulfil his ambitions Doucoure has to move on.

Silva was coy on potential concerns over losing a player who has grown into a near-certain pick this term, and says proving himself at Watford will be the best way for Doucoure to better his career.

He said: “Anything can happen in the future and we’ll see, but we need to first to win his space in the team – like he has done over the past few months.

“Prove to me every day what he can do and after of course I believe he can improve in his career.”