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 Under-23s goalkeeper Alfie Marriott.

The 18-year-old, who joined the club back in May 2012, enjoyed a stellar loan spell with Kings Langley during the 2021/22 campaign, making a vital penalty save on the final day of the season to help the Kings escape relegation from the Southern League Premier Division South.

How would you describe your playing style?

When I was first starting goalkeeping, I used to look up to Manuel Neuer and take elements from his game and put them into my own. Recently, I have been looking at Marc-André ter Stegen more due to the way he plays with his feet and the way he makes those crucial saves. My style is about being confident on the ball and trusting in your ability that you can play out.

Favourite current Watford footballer?

Rob Elliot has helped me a lot over the years. Even recently, he was speaking to me about where my hands are just before shots and my set position. He suggested to move my hands one or two inches higher so I can get up quicker. He has helped me with the little things and they all make the difference.

Biggest influence?

I would say that my parents and Graham Stack have been hugely influential. My parents took me everywhere before I could drive, making sure I could get to the games and believing in me. With Graham, since my scholarship he has been a massive part of my experience. The way I have improved is immense and working with him every day has made me better and better.

Favourite football kit?

Last season’s blue goalkeeper kit at Kings Langley was really nice. There have been some decent kits and a few distinctive kits in the past. Watford had a really nice green goalkeeper kit not so long ago – I had some green boots and gloves to go with it!

Favourite boots?

It used to be Adidas but recently it’s Nike. Rob Elliot gave me an old pair of silver boots that he had. I bought some Nike Phantoms in red recently. I really just prefer the fit of them. In general, I don’t really mind the colour, but I favour the more ‘out there’, distinctive colours.

Favourite footballing memory?

Getting the scholarship and the FA Youth Cup run when we lost to Newcastle United away after beating Lincoln. Last season against Chelsea we should have won. Also, at Kings Langley I got Player of the Month earlier in the season and I’ve played in the FA Cup too.

Most talented teammate?

We have a few good players in my age range. Shaq Forde on the ball is really good, Ryan Andrews is as well. From my time at Kings Langley, Harry Crawford sticks out - he’s an attacking midfielder. He is a great player and you can see why he was an ex-professional at Southend United. Will Hoskins is another one – he used to play for Watford – and he’s very good.

Favourite things to do when not playing football?

I don’t get up to too much. I’m usually at home relaxing, watching TV or I’m at the gym. Nothing too adventurous. I go on FIFA with some of the lads from Watford, alongside other games. I listen to a lot of different music including D-Block Europe and his album, which is quite good.

Best footballing advice you’ve received?

Little things like treating every training session like it’s your last. You never know when that last training session is going to be. You have to show everything that you are capable of. You have to give it your all. Even being on time is hugely important – in fact being on time is late, being early is on time.