Watts is nothing at all like Koutoufides. Sure, Kouta was an absolute superstar in the middle for sure, but yeah, you'd also say he was a gun KPP. Even held his own in the ruck from time to time. But he was a true utility. Anywhere you'd put Kouta you could be sure he'd have an impact.
And at stoppages and at ground level? Forget about it. Kouta was really in his own at this. Just loop it over their heads and *bam*. Another clearance/away from congestion.
Watts is really lacking in those two areas. Two areas that Kouta excelled at. So I kinda wonder why you're drawing a comparison between the two. I've just made a mental note to watch more melbourne games this year and see if there's something I missed. Its a real boon for your mob if they do have the next Kouta. Especially with the advances made in injury management over the years.
Kouta in 2000 was the best player I've ever seen not named Carey. I wasn't saying Watts is as good, But at the same point of their careers there isn't much difference.
The fact you said Watts struggles at ground level makes it shockingly obvious you've seen very little of him. Its by far the best part of his game.
Seriously, I wasn't saying Watts is or will be as good as a prime Kouta - he has to prove it on field before anyone can even suggest that. But that's definitely the player that he reminds me of the most. The similarities far outweigh the differences imo. Kouta was always a player without a position, until he started peaking around 98 and submitted quite possibly the most dominant single season I've ever seen in 2000. Like you said, he's a true utility.
That's exactly how I see Watts. He isn't going to strictly be a CHF, nor a CHB (even though he will play time at both positions depending on matchups). He'll spend time in the middle, and on the wing.
He's very much a Pav/Kouta/Goodes type player, but he's a work in progress (notably, none of those three guys set the world on fire their first 3 seasons either). I just think Kouta is the closest because Watts and Kouta both kill it at ground level.