‘All top players have off-games’ – Exclusive: Phillips makes admission about West Brom ace
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has admitted that Matheus Pereira has not been at his absolute best for West Brom in recent appearances.
Pereira, 23, has been one of the stand-out players in the Championship this season after lighting up The Hawthorns with some mesmeric performances.
However the Brazilian’s form has dipped in the last week or so with his display in the loss to Wigan last week being arguably his worst in blue and white stripes.
Phillips believes that although Pereira’s not playing at his best at the moment, it just shows how important the on-loan Sporting CP attacker is to the side.
However the ex-Baggies striker has warned that Matt Phillips has shown he is good enough to pounce on an opportunity if Slaven Bilic wants to make changes.
“All top players have off-games and he’s been consistently good for West Brom this season,” Kevin Phillips told West Brom News.
“I, for one, wouldn’t criticise for having one or two off-games and unfortunately it coincides with them dropping points so it’s highlighted a bit more, but that just shows the pressure that’s on his shoulders.
“You’re almost saying that when he doesn’t perform, West Brom don’t perform and he’s become that important to the team.
“But good players don’t have too many bad games. He’ll respond.
“I thought Matt Phillips did himself the world of good the other night [versus Newcastle], he was probably one of the most dangerous players for West Brom on the right-hand side so he’ll come into the reckoning with his experience and quality.”
Pereira’s not the only player whose form has dipped in the last couple of Championship matches with the likes of Callum Robinson and Hal Robson-Kanu also underperforming.
There’s not one player who can have the blame heaped on them for the side not winning in their last two league games but it might not be long before Bilic does make changes to his side to stop what could be the makings of another slump.
It was good to see Phillips perform well against Newcastle on Tuesday night in the FA Cup but there’s no way Pereira can be dropped.
Even on a bad day, the Brazilian can pull off something magnificent to win a game.
In other West Brom news, Darren Fletcher has criticised Albion fans for the poor atmosphere at The Hawthorns this week.