Both Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure spoke of their admiration for record signing Ismaila Sarr following his starring role in Watford's 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday evening.

The 21-year-old scored twice and set up Deeney for the third in a game that shocked the Premier League leaders, who went into the fixture unbeaten in their previous 44 league matches.

Deeney praised the speed with which Sarr has adapted to the English game and said he will only get even better in the future.

"He was good today. You can't replicate that pace and power, he cost £40million for a reason," said the captain, acknowledging how much the team missed his presence during the games in which he was ruled out through injury.

"He's a really good player, he's got a lot to learn, he's still got room to grow, but this is what Watford do. We buy players that have potential, we did it with Richarlison and people of that ilk, so hopefully he continues to learn, continues to get better. It's his first season in English football and he's took to it like a duck to water."

Doucoure meanwhile was all too aware of Sarr's quality from watching him in the French league with his former club Rennes.

The Frenchman described the winger's recent injury as a big blow to the Hornets and said that his performance against Liverpool proved why he is so vital to their chances of avoiding relegation.

"I was watching him in Rennes, he was doing the same thing," said Doucoure.

"Of course it was a big blow when he was injured but now he's come back, he's shown everybody how great he is. He had a great game, everyone I think worked very well, but Ismaila I think is a big player for us, he will be scoring more goals for us and of course he's a great lad and we are happy with him."

Doucoure is one of three French-speaking players in the team who have helped Sarr settle into life in England following his move in the summer.

"I was not the only one, I think Etienne [Capoue] and Kaba [Kabasele] as well are around him," he said.

"The French speakers, we're always around Isma because he needs some help, I help him outside the football, but he is a great guy.

"He's a little bit shy, but on the pitch I always say to him 'do your thing, take the space, do your job' today he was great and we are so happy."