Watching Valon Behrami snapping at the heels of opposition players has become a recurring theme during Watford’s pre-season campaign. However, the Swiss midfielder admits he will have to control himself against Everton on Saturday.

Quite how easy that will be in front of a raucous crowd at Goodison Park remains to be seen. In the heat of battle it is difficult to believe the Switzerland international will be measured in his approach.

He is all action. A midfield terrier. And someone who has been booked twice in friendly matches this summer.

The 30-year-old, who spent two-and-a-half years with West Ham United earlier in his career, enjoys the intensity of English football. “It never stops but it’s the kind of game I like,” he admits.

But Behrami is experienced enough to know he has a responsibility at curb his enthusiasm at Everton.

“I’m a different player to when in was at West Ham,” he says. “I was quicker then. A box-to-box player. Now I’m better in different areas. I’m more of a holding midfield player.

“But sometimes my natural instinct comes out. I will need to control myself in some zones of the pitch and not commit any stupid fouls that lead to free-kicks. Because in the Premier League there are some very good free-kick takers.”

Watford travel to Merseyside this weekend after suffering defeats in their final two pre-season friendlies.

The two results – a 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City and a 1-0 loss against Sevilla – are unlikely to worry Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores.

What might be a cause for concern, however, is how few times Watford tested the opposition goalkeeper in both matches.

The Spaniard, like his predecessors, wants the Golden Boys playing proactive passing football. It is a style Behrami has been impressed with but the former Napoli and Fiorentina midfielder accepts there is no point keeping possession if chances are not created.

“The style here at Watford is very good,” he says. “But if we play good football and are not able to get an end result in the final third then we will have zero points. Then it’s not so good.

“We have to be very careful. We can play very well but we need to do more in the last 20 metres of the pitch.”

Behrami continues: “We need to stay solid and not concede a goal because we have a great talent up front. We can always take something from the game.

“The first thing is not to lose our heads whatever happens. Even if we concede a goal we must stay positive, keep going and keep playing.

“That’s the most important thing. Everton is only the first game – there are 37 others after that.”

And after a frustrating year at Hamburg Behrami is looking forward to every single one of them.

“I’ve missed the English game,” he admits. “There’s a great atmosphere and passion everywhere you go. I also like the mentality of the players.

“They play hard but they are fair. They don’t cheat and I like the honesty. It’s the right way to play football. Hard but honest.”

Hopefully Behrami will remember those last three words on Saturday when he is trying to nullify the threat of Romelu Lukaku and his Toffees teammates.