Wobby saying good things about his time in Spain so far: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sp...nee_starlet_making_name_for_himself_in_Spain/ with 3 goals and 1 assist in 7 games.
As I posted in the transfer section when he left on loan - he is VERY highly rated - https://soundcloud.com/world-football-index/wfi-spotlight-juan-camilo-hernandez-watford and a brief summary of the podcast for the lazy - He was going to quit football at age 15 to chase a more realistic job for his family but entered the Colombian equivalent of a local county tournament where a scout for Colombian second division side Deportivo Pereira spotted him and demanded he be signed by the end of the day. The scout got his wish and he was signed, within a year (aged just 16) he'd made his first team debut and by 17 had captained the team. He's a fan favourite wherever he goes (Deportivo Pereira have one of the largest fanbases in the 2nd division) and is capable of playing anywhere just behind the striker, often utilised as a second striker, with a good goal to game ratio. Granada then signed him and loaned him to a bigger team in Colombia (America Cali) where the fans loved him but he got little game-time, but he impressed whenever he came on. They discussed his chances of getting a work permit (slim at present), but he did well at a youth tournament with Colombia and is likely highly rated within the international setup.
Can't say i've seen him play, will watch Huescas last game back today if I get time as I'm pretty intrigued myself
I've posted a couple of his goals on the Loanees thread that for some reason has been buried in this section. I'll add another couple of videos I've seen of him soon. I've watched his highlights a few times and to me he looks much more like a Tevez/Aguero/Alexis Sanchez style player - low centre of gravity, stocky and powerful rather than silky skilful. He's also very good in the air for his size. He's playing out wide in a front three at the moment but I'd expect him to play centrally in the coming years. The thing that impresses me most is that he is clearly a leader of the team, despite being only 18 and playing on a new continent. He's always demanding the ball, making things happen and he's not afraid to stand up to the people marking him. His nickname of "El Cucho" is an affectionate term for an old person in Colombia so I presume he got it when he captained a second tier team there at 17. From the highlights I've seen it's hard to believe an 18 year old kid can play like that. He looks much closer to a finished article than either Peñaranda or Success did at Granada, even taking into account he's playing one level lower.
Someone's posted a video of every time he touched the ball vs Almeria, for those wondering what type of player he is:
Just an assist last night for our boy Cucho, albeit quite a good one: http://golombianos.com/cucho-asistencia-huesca-reus/ 9 games, 5 goals, 3 assists.
I've noticed he times his runs perfectly to beat the offside trap . Always helps to have a well timed pass to run onto of course.
He's very strong and has a real elusive streak to him. Doesn't mind playing up on his own and has that speed and intelligence to get into the right position to finish off chances not to mention create them. He's just settled in straight away at Huesca as well. Played with ease on both wings and recently as the central striker. Two chances against Cadiz created by himself and an integral part of the win for Huesca. Reminds me most of Tevez. Hard headed as well.
Yeah well, people were raving about that Richarlison before he came over here and look how he turned out. Work permit, for a kid who's never played a full international?
Let's see if this Hoochie Koochie kid can do it on a year's loan to Derby before we decide if he's any good.
This guy is serious talent... Wouldn't be surprised if the head coach of Barcelona B has a word with Ernesto Valverde regarding Cucho
If they all develop as hoped a front 3 of Richarlison, Hernandez and Penaranda will be something to behold
Reports all over the Spanish and Colombian press that there is interest from numerous clubs for Cucho Hernandez, including Barcelona, Valencia and some unnamed Premier League clubs. Barcelona have apparently been scouting him since January when he impressed them in the South American u20 Championships. http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbo...rca-sigue-al-cucho-hernandez-desde-enero.html http://www.fichajes.com/liga/el-val...a-de-pretendientes-por-cucho-hernandez_127641
Depends if he sees his future in English or continental football really. Someone like Richarlison is tailormade for our game and would thrive here more than Spain or Italy. If Cucho sees his future in England then its better he stays with us so he can get game time. Seeing Richarlison tread the same path should provide hope and inspiration for him.
Barca would be a terrible move, he wouldn't get in their squad this point in his career We have nothing to fear from anyone else, outside of the top 6 who is he going to want to move to ahead of us?
Mentioned by Giraldi in his interview on the official site " Watford will never stop trying to sign top and talented players. We have already signed players who are doing very well in their development that are not necessarily under the lights. “We have a striker who is the most sensational player, in the Segunda Division in Spain. He's doing very well, a lot of big clubs have already approached us. He will have his development there and when he is ready he will come to Watford. “We have plenty of contact, and we have agreed in principle a deal with some players but we like to keep that for ourselves for the moment. Once the time will be ready, you will know.”
The kid has no fear. A year in La Liga and most Colombian fans want him in their team and are trying to get Pekerman to do so. He'd be suited to the physicality of the game here and he would get much needed game time to develop.
He is liking Watford posts on Instagram. That's a sign that he already cares more about our club than some of our other players who are actually playing for us.
