Emmanuel Dennis has become the first Watford player to score in three consecutive Premier League games since February 2017, with the last player to do so being club legend Troy Deeney.
The Nigerian scored his sixth league goal in the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in midweek, as he continues to enjoy a fine maiden campaign in England as the Hornets' leading goalscorer in 2021/22.
Dennis is in illustrious company as only the sixth man to record at least five goals and five assists after his first 12 Premier League games, standing alongside Eric Cantona, Arjen Robben, Jurgen Klinsmann, Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes.
There is substance to his strikes as well.
Of his six goals so far, two were early openers on the way to important wins, and there were two more game-clinchers after providing a pair of assists, before the equalizer against Chelsea.
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Where does Dennis rank among Nigeria’s best forwards?
Following the unfortunate facial injury to Victor Osimhen, Dennis is Nigeria’s most in-form striker going into the upcoming Afcon in January.
The 24-year-old has come off as a special player throughout his career, always fond of goals in big games since he netted a brace for Club Brugge away at Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2019 which he marked with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration.
Dennis has brought some of that star dust into the English top flight with two goals and as many assists so far against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Although he has only three international caps spread over 25 match minutes with the last coming over a year ago, Dennis has quickly become an important option at a key moment and Nigeria fans will be hoping he brings his big-game credentials when he gets an inevitable call-up.
The attacker’s electric and livewire showings will come in handy either as a winger or as a striker in the Super Eagles’ lineup.
In a striking roll call consisting of Odion Ighalo, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi, Dennis will hold his own in the Nigeria squad as his pace, agility and keen eye for goal could tip him ahead of the others because his qualities are simply indispensable right now.
