FORGOTTEN MAT MAKES HIS NAME
Watford striker smashes a double on his home debut
MATHIAS RANEGIE is the forgotten man at Udinese and in Sweden but Watford’s giant new striker is determined to make a name for himself in England.
Ranegie played second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in November 2012 when the PSG man’s four-goals – including a memorable 30-yard overhead kick – beat England 4-2.
He also struggled to make his mark in Serie A where one goal in 24 appearances for Udinese meant he was allowed to move on to Watford.
However, the 6ft 5in forward – who has five Sweden caps – introduced himself at Vicarage Road with two goals on his home debut in last weekend’s 4-0 rout of Blackpool.
And after signing a three-anda-half-year deal in January, Ranegie has made it his mission to be remembered in England.
“This is the capital of football, everyone knows about it and it’s exactly what I expected: strong players and strong teams,” said Ranegie.
“Football is football. It’s the same round ball wherever you play. England is a little bit different but this is a good team with good pos- sibilities. I remember playing against England.
“I was outshined by another striker that night, but Zlatan is probably the greatest player that’s ever going to play for Sweden.
“He’s a great inspiration to play with, and to play with a player like that is very good for your career.
“He’s a special talent, and when he went for the overhead kick I thought he was crazy, any normal player wouldn’t do that but that’s him.
“Now I want to achieve something here. It’s a good club and the play-offs are still alive. It’s important we continue and keep on doing what we’ve done last week and recently.
Chemistry
“There are a lot of points to play for and I hope to enjoy my time in England. I’ve signed for a few years and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Ranegie is the latest overseas player to join Watford’s cosmopolitan squad under Italian manager Beppe Sannino.
But there’s a distinctly British feel to the way the Hornets operate, with a powerful combination already developing between Troy Deeney and his Gothenburg-born strike partner, wo both scored twice last weekend.
And Ranegie revealed it’s a partnership that could have blossomed much sooner had he got the move he desired. “In the summer it almost happened,” he added.
“Udinese wouldn’t let me go though because they didn’t have enough strikers and I had to stay as cover.
“I thought about it for a while, so I’m happy to be finally over here and I’m playing with Troy now, who is a strong player and a goalscorer.
“We had good chemistry in the Blackpool game and we were both happy with scoring.”
Apart from a brief loan spell in Holland with the Go Ahead Eagles, and his unproductive 18-month stint with Udinese, Ranegie has spent the remainder of his professional career in Sweden.
But he thinks he’s well built for the English game – both on and off the pitch.
“Being from Sweden the English culture is quite common to me, despite this being my first club over here,” continued Ranegie.
“I speak English already and I obviously know a few of the guys from Udinese which helps when you join a new club.
“But the supporters have been great. This is a good club and the reaction after my home debut was pleasing. I read a lot of nice things.
“I also enjoy the physical aspect of the game in England. Everything is going well and I’m confident about the future.”