When Adalberto Peñaranda signed for Watford in February 2016, it seemed to be the next step in a career that was on a clear upward trajectory.
As a youngster, goals for his hometown club El Vigía earned him a place in the Merida state selection that won the national championship, with Peñaranda named top scorer and best player. At Deportivo La Guaira, he made his debut at 16 and notched his first goal prior to the 17th birthday. And at Granada, he made just five starts for the reserves before being promoted to the first team, where he scored four times in his first seven appearances.
Indeed, his double against Levante in December 2015 made him the youngest-ever foreigner to score a brace in La Liga. The previous record-holder was Lionel Messi.
It was the same story with Venezuela. Appearances for the Under-17 and Under-20 sides were followed by his senior debut at 19. He and a few others then dropped down to the Under-20s to lead Venezuela to a runners up finish to England at this summer’s World Cup. Peñaranda scored the go-ahead goal in the quarter-final win over the United States.
But while his international career continues to develop, last season was a stagnant one at club level. Watford’s work-permit application was rejected, and Peñaranda was therefore sent out on loan to Udinese, also owned by the Pozzo family. He struggled to adapt to the tactical rigours of the Italian game and made just one start in seven appearances prior to Christmas.
In January, he moved on to Malaga on a 18-month loan deal, but he was again unable to establish a starting berth. Head coach Míchel and his staff were unhappy with the effort he put into training sessions, and he received just 171 minutes of action over three appearances.
Watford were again denied a work permit for him this summer, and Peñaranda therefore finds himself in a difficult situation. Malaga no longer want him, while interest from Deportivo La Coruña and Leganés softened once it became clear that he would miss three months of action with a broken metatarsal. Even if he moves on in January, he will need time to settle in. He is potentially looking at another wasted season.
That is particularly worrying as this is a key juncture in the development of a player who provides plenty of incision, but whose awareness and decision making are often found wanting. He too regularly holds onto the ball when teammates are better positioned and is prone to rushed and speculative efforts on goal. His pace, power and quick feet have not yet been allied to a consistent output in terms of goals and assists.
Peñaranda is still only 20 and far from a lost cause. The raw materials are there, and he just needs a bit of the polish that comes with regular game time and good coaching. But for now his progress has stalled and the frustrating thing for Watford is that they currently have little control over the situation. If their investment is ever to be recuperated they need Peñaranda playing, and soon.
