Watford manager Javi Gracia believes that Etienne Capoue is one of the best midfielders in the league.

Capoue missed the 1-1 draw with Southampton through suspension and he was a clear miss.

His energy and passing ability was a big loss to Watford, who struggled in the game.

"Capoue is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and do not have any doubt about that," Gracia said to the Watford Observer.

"If you ask me about all the midfielders we have, you can speak about [Abdoulaye] Doucoure, [Nathaniel] Chalobah, Tom Cleverley who is injured but recovering and you can speak about young players such as Ben Wilmot and Domingos Quina.

"I think we have different options and all of them are good for the team. Today the team competed well without Capoue and we were able to get a point."