Fantasy Football Potential – Orestis Karnezis

Watford have completed the signing of Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis on a season long loan deal from the Italian club. Marco Silva has acquired the Greek’s services due to Costel Pantilimon being sent out on loan himself, to Deportivo.

Karnezis has a very impressive 44 international caps for Greece since 2012, two of which came in the recent international break in fixtures against Estonia and Belgium. For club and country last season he featured in 38 games, but due to youth graduate Simone Scuffet being given the nod, Karnezis has had to look elsewhere for first team opportunities.

During the 2014/15 he received glowing praise by Italian great Dino Zoff;

“He’s young and can only get better. He is taking confidence that is essential for a goalkeeper. I think Karnezis and Perin are the best goalies in Serie A.”

Fantasy Football Potential

Karnezis has been priced at 4.5m, making him exactly the same a current first team goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who has kept 2 clean sheets in his last two games. I believe the Greek will be used as a back up goalkeeper if Gomes ever gets injured or has a horrific run of form.

Last campaign in all competitions, Karnezis kept a respectable 10 clean sheets. He is 32 years old which may mean his quality could be degrading but I believe he could do a good job in the Premier League if he is called upon.

Watford’s next five fixtures are as follows: Southampton (A), Manchester City (H), Swansea (A), West Brom (A) and Arsenal (H). Karnezis is more than likely going to sit out of these games, but if Silva does give him the nod, then he could grab a couple of clean sheets against this opposition.

If you have enjoyed this view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.

Written by Harry Clark (@HarryClark67)

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