This mild-mannered centre forward who struck a sensational goal in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup to dump out Plymouth Argyle, has developed an obvious liking for this competition.

After giving Watford hope of a possible shock win, he and the rest of his team-mates’ efforts proved to be fruitless as United’s strike force went into overdrive, to emerge comfortable winners, for the FA Cup final which Chelsea eventually lifted at the new Wembley Stadium.

Bouazza’s perfomance was at the heart of his sides’ 4-2 destruction of Portsmouth in the Hornets biggest Premiership win, when Watford having gone a goal down, rallied to register an impressive win, with Bouazza bagging two of the goals. It was only days earlier that the same Portsmouth had humbled United 2-1 at Fratton Park.

Despite Watford’s hard fight to stay in the top flight, the Hornets were ultimately relegated and now make a quick return to the Championship after only one season, in which Bouazza has been one of the bright spots in Adrian Boothroyd's side with his excellent displays on the left.

Bouazza spoke to Islamic Times and explained that he never doubted his ability to play at the highest level to which he hopes to make a quick return.

"I always believed in myself, I always thought that one day I'd be here,and today I am. The Premiership is a big league, the players are big time players and to play against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United is great. Today I've got my big chance to play, I just need to have the confidence in myself and respect the players and myself and try to work hard all the time. I'm really happy at the moment and I'm just trying to keep my place in the side, week in week out."

When asked about which Premiership player he enjoys watching, Bouazza has no hesitation in admitting his admiration for by Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, calling him "different class."

Although he did not comment on it, Bouazza may not be a Watford player come next season, but offers, "Today I'm playing here and really proud to play for Watford, but one day you never know where I could be."

The talent he demonstrated from an early age suggests there was no other career choice for the twentytwo year old, and so it came as no great surprise when Watford signed Bouazza in 2003. The trappings of a Premiership footballer can be immense, with expensive cars, jewellery, and a party culture but Bouazza has his feet firmly on the ground, maintaining the humility beyond his tender years, and all kept in check by his faith.

"I'm proud to be a Muslim and proud to be playing in the Premiership," he says. But when asked if faith and football can combine, and what about fasting in Ramadan Bouazza immediately replies, "I'm not going to say it's easy, Islam is my religion, and I'm proud of it. Ramadan is hard, and I try to do my best every time. “You know God is there to help us, we believe in him and he believes in us as well. We just need to pray and believe in him."

Bouazza also reveals he prays "all the time," when on the pitch. That fact was all too evident during the celebration of Bouazza's second goal against Portsmouth prostrate on his knees, with his hands raised to the heavens. The devotion of the man was clear for all to see. Having caused mayhem for the opposition defences, Bouazza has caught the eye of the Algerian national team, and there too his prospects look bright, if challenging.

"It's different football with the national side, because it is in Africa. I am getting used to it, and I know I'm going to do well for my country."