Kieran Tierney is back in Celtic colours, but those academy stars are still leaving in their droves, because the financial package is more rewarding in England.
That was proven when Rocco Vata decided to join Watford last summer, in England’s second-tier, and leave his comfort zone of Celtic.
Vata was highly rated in Glasgow, but he had to be patient for regular minutes, especially given the high number of attacking talents ahead of him.
Albeit for a brief period, the 20-year-old got a taste of what it’s like representing Celtic and playing in Scotland’s top tier, as he compared it to the English Championship.
Rocco Vata on playing in England’s second tier and for Celtic
Vata earned six appearances for Celtic, so he got a little taste of what it’s like in the big time, and he was asked to compare both leagues.
The Republic of Ireland international feels that the English Championship is of a ‘higher’ standard, as he told Watford’s official website.
The all-action winger also explains how England’s second-tier is ‘more technical’ and ‘much more physical’ than what he experienced in Scotland.
“It is hard for me to comment on the differences as I’ve played more minutes here and started games, whereas at Celtic I only came off the bench and I was less experienced,” shared Vata.
“I would say the standard of football is higher in the Championship. It is more technical, and the players are much more physical.”
https://youtu.be/DPuvXecEVSw?si=FUhknXwCXE-arylY
How has Vata fared at Watford?
Watford missed out on promotion to the Premier League after they failed to secure a top-six finish, and then they sacked manager Tom Cleverley.
Vata scored a wonder goal in the FA Cup, but mainly made appearances from the bench for the Hornets, scoring three goals in the league.
At the end of the day, Vata is still progressing and has a long way to go, and it will be interesting to see where his footballing journey takes him post-Celtic.
