'He could be a star' - Many West Brom fans rave about fringe player v Preston

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26 Feb 2020, 8:07 am

Rekeem Harper was handed his first Championship start of the season by Slaven Bilic on Tuesday night as West Brom won 2-0 against Preston at The Hawthorns.

Romaine Sawyers' suspension meant that Bilic was forced into making a change to the line-up that beat Bristol City with ease at the weekend and 19-year-old Harper was called on to replace the midfield playmaker.

Although Harper has spent most of the campaign on the fringes of the West Brom first-team or playing for the Under-23s, he played superbly as Albion moved 10 points clear of third place with a routine win over Preston.

According to stats by WhoScored, Harper completed 84 per cent of his passes on Tuesday night and only Filip Krovinovic had a higher success rate out of those who started for both West Brom and Preston.

Harper also made one key pass, one clearance and one tackle as he made his big presence known in the midfield.

The teenager almost came close to scoring for the Baggies in the second half too when a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area struck the crossbar.

Overall it was an impressive return to the starting line-up for Harper and West Brom fans on Twitter were delighted with what they saw.

Here is a selection of their tweets:

Have I really seen criticism of Harper’s performance last night? Wow, I thought he was superb, made himself available at all times, wanted the ball, and that headed clearance in the second half to keep it 2-0 was crucial. #wba
— RJGS (@Albionwestand) February 26, 2020

Replacing Sawyers with Harper was seamless, you couldn't tell there been a change. I think that says it all.
— paul hill (@foreverabaggie) February 26, 2020

Excellent and thoughtful performance
— Mr I Flow (@_I_Flow) February 26, 2020

A solid 7.5 performance. Slotted in well, looked comfortable on the ball. Looked more mature than he did at the start of the season.
— chris parkes (@parksey1972) February 26, 2020

Brilliant performance from everyone. Livermore is a man possessed at the moment. Ajayi superb at the back. Harper was my my MOTM to come in the side for his first start and put in a performance like that 👏 #wba #WBAPNE #WBAPRE
— Matthew Rippard (@MRippard) February 26, 2020

I really hope something has clicked for Harper, he was tremendous last night, he could be a star #wba
— Martyn Walters (@Martw90) February 26, 2020

In other West Brom news, suggestions about wages have stunned this player's representatives as talks are held over new contract.

West Bromwich Albion

Rekeem Harper