Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford’s January signing Adalberto Penaranda is the new sensation of Spanish football and believes the forward has the potential to be one of the best young players in Europe.

The Hornets bought the 18-year-old from Udinese on transfer deadline day but he will remain on loan with fellow Pozzo-owned club Granada until the summer.

Staying in Spain gives Penaranda a greater chance of playing regular first-team football and on Sunday he started against Real Madrid in La Liga.

The Venezuelan played 81 minutes against Los Blancos and impressed.

He caused Dani Carvajal numerous problems and the Madrid full-back said after the game Penaranda has a bright future if he continues to improve.

It was statement echoed by Flores this morning.

The Hornets head coach said: “I think Penaranda is a new sensation in the Spanish league.

"If he keeps the same performance level he will become one of the best young players in Europe.

“We’re supporting him and it’s very important the people around this player are managing his future in the right way.”

Flores continued: “He looks good and it’s amazing to know this kind of player is coming for the team next year.

“It was a very good decision by the sporting directors to think about how this players can help us next year.

“He’s a strong player who plays good football. He can pass well and has a good shot.

"What I did see is he needs to understand the position defensively. But he is 18 and it’s impossible to know everything.”

Due to time constraints Flores admits it will be difficult to keep a close eye on Penaranda and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was also signed by the Hornets in January and loaned to Granada.

“I don’t have time,” Flores admitted. “I just watch videos of Watford, the Premier League and the FA Cup.

"I check the players I’m interested in and other leagues when I have time off at the weekend.”