Millwall ace who cost absolutely nothing proves his worth with ‘huge’ display vs Watford

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A 1-0 win sees a big three points in the bag for Millwall this week, and one new signing really stole the spotlight for Alex Neil’s side against Watford.

Millwall have struggled at home this season, so getting the victory at The Den on Monday night was a pretty big deal for Alex Neil and his team.

It was a delightful Camiel Neghli free-kick that separated the two teams in the end. His strike in the tenth minute was a goal worthy of any win, despite Watford’s best efforts to change the outcome late on.

While Neghli will take the plaudits for that goal, it’s actually one new Millwall signing who deserves all the praise.

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Massimo Luongo gets Millwall over the line vs Watford

He was awarded the Player of the Match award for his imperious display versus Watford, and rightly so. Massimo Luongo dominated the central areas and kept Millwall ticking in the face of growing pressure from the Hornets.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio after the game, both Gary Rowett and Watford legend Tommy Smith were raving about the former Ipswich Town man.

Rowett said: “Luongo in particular just held it together in the middle of the pitch.”

Smith agreed, adding: “The issues they’ve got in the middle of the pitch [with injuries], it’s so important to have him. The experience he’s got. He was driving them through… Luongo was huge tonight.”

After arriving on a free transfer this summer, Luongo has clearly made an impact on his teammates, too. Goalscorer Neghli diverted the praise away from his own free-kick to celebrate Luongo’s impact after the game.

In his post-match interview, he said: “We have a great group – the likes of Massimo help us a lot and it’s great to be here.”

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Injury problems have given Millwall midfielders big opportunity

Alex Neil needed some good news this week, with poor home form and a string of injuries to his team dampening spirits.

Alongside Luongo’s impressive display, Neil will be buoyed after seeing another two Millwall midfielders shining in their respective roles.

20-year-old Derek Mazou-Sacko was given the start in the middle of the park and proved he is more than ready to step up to the demands of regular Championship football.

Likewise, the introduction of Southampton loanee Will Smallbone really helped to keep the Lions in control. Smallbone’s 23-minute cameo included a number of key tackles to break up Watford’s play and turn the tide back in Millwall’s favour.

From any setback, there is always a chance for positive solutions. Alex Neil is clearly seeing that right now, with injuries allowing other players to step up and prove their worth.