Watford’s £2.6m signing scores decisive goal in international friendly win after impressive start

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Watford fans will be hoping his performances during the international break will continue going forward this season.

Watford sat in 14th place in the Championship table going into the international break after just one win from their opening four outings.

Paulo Pezzolano was appointed as Hornets boss earlier in the summer, and since then, some stellar summer signings have been added to his squad.

Watford signed Max Alleyne on loan from Manchester City for the season, with more permanent deals also completed for the likes of Jeremy Petris and Nampalys Mendy.

However, the jewel in Watford’s summer business crown was the acquisition of Bayern Munich youngster Nestory Irankunda, who has caught the eye during the international break.

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Watford star Nestory Irankunda scores for Australia vs New Zealand

Reports emerged earlier in the window that Watford were set to sign Irankunda for £2.6m, with the 19-year-old set to leave German giants Bayern after just one year.

Irankunda revealed why he left Munich, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and the youngster needing to “be playing minutes” to work his way into contention for Australia.

Irankunda told Sky Sports News: “That was a very hard decision but, obviously for me, my biggest goal is to play in the World Cup,

“The 2026 World Cup is round the corner, so I have to be playing minutes and I wasn’t playing at all, so the best thing for me was to go.

“I’m going to work hard, work hard with the team, and try to get a spot on the team to play.”

After his goal for the Socceroos on Tuesday against New Zealand in a 3-1 friendly win, the former Bayern starlet will have placed himself at the forefront of Tony Popovic’s selection thoughts.

His side beat New Zealand 3-1 in a friendly win, with Irankunda scoring Australia’s second goal of the match with a wonderful strike, which proved to be the decisive goal after Nottingham Forest ace Chris Wood got one back shortly after.

EFL Analysis exclusively revealed after his arrival that Watford chiefs were delighted with Irankunda’s signing after beating top flight clubs across Europe for his signature, and the youngster will be keen to continue his stellar second tier start.

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Nestory Irankunda has been Paulo Pezzolano’s best Watford star this season

Watford fans will have been expecting exciting things from the Australian youngster after his arrival from European footballing elite, and the forward has certainly delivered.

Before the break, Irankunda registered his first Watford goal contribution with an assist against QPR for Luca Kjerrumgaard’s opener.

In the two following draws with Swansea City and promotion hopefuls Southampton, the 19-year-old scored in both stalemates to take his Championship tally to two goals in four games.

When Championship action finally resumes on Saturday, Watford host Blackburn Rovers, who endured a hectic transfer window heading into the clash.