WNews Feed - SoundSage

The academy question-and-answer series shines a light on some of the best upcoming talent at Watford, quizzing a selection of Young Hornets about their journey in and outside of football.

Next up to take on the questions is highly-rated midfielder Ben Smith.

The 18-year-old joined the Hornets in 2012 and has featured for both the Under-18s and the Under-23s this campaign. He also took to the Vicarage Road pitch in pre-season, playing against West Brom.

How would you describe your playing style?

I’m a central midfielder that likes to get on the ball and dictate play. I prefer playing in the deeper positions, like a number four, so I can get on the ball and try to control possession. I really like the way that Mateo Kovačić plays, he is quality and I try to take parts out of his game.

Favourite current Watford footballer?

Tom Cleverley has so much experience from playing Premier League football, and he knows what it takes to be consistent and sustain that sort of level. He is 32 now but is still playing in the best league in the world, and he has also done it at the highest level of the game with England.

Biggest influence?

My mum, dad and sister have obviously been huge in supporting me alongside other members of my family who watch all my games. My grandad [former QPR and Spurs winger Roger Morgan] as well because whenever he comes to watch he is completely honest with how I’ve played, which is obviously what I need to get better. I have a frame of his England shirt and cap in my room, which is motivating.

Favourite football kit?

As a Watford supporter I would say the 2020/21 all-white away shirt. I played in that a couple of times and really liked it.

Favourite boots?

I’ve always been a bit of a Nike man. I would say the Phantom Venoms - I had four pairs of them at one stage! There was a volt blue colourway which I have used, which was really nice.

Favourite footballing memory?

Coming into the first-team in pre-season against Brentford and West Brom. Of course, the West Brom game was at The Vic so it was good to come on in front of the supporters. That was a good all-round experience. I played in the Brentford game in the morning, went straight to Vicarage Road, didn’t think that I would come on and was warming up like you usually do, and then I got called down. The difference in intensity is massive, so I try to take that into the games I’m playing in the academy. It was a good learning curve to see the difference in physicality.

Most talented teammate?

I would say Ryan Andrews. He has come on massively and he is very athletic. He is a full-back who can defend but also put in a good ball. A lot of it is about trust because I know he has the athleticism to attack and defend.

Favourite things to do when not playing football?

Recently I’ve been out on the golf course quite a bit because I’m trying to get back into golf. I go out with Freddie Moriarty, Will Hall and Alfie Marriott, and we do 18 holes. We’re alright, but our focus is on football.

Best footballing advice you’ve received?

Football is a game of opinions. Play for the little boy that started playing football. I think it can be easy to get carried away with the pressure of things. Play to enjoy it because you’ll be more confident, and you’ll play better.