Dara O’Shea: I’ve learnt an endless amount from West Brom senior player
Chris Brunt might not be playing as much for West Brom anymore but that hasn’t stopped him from having an impact on the development of younger players.
Brunt, 35, is the longest-serving player that Albion have on their books with the ex-Northern Ireland international appearing 419 times since joining the club from Sheffield Wednesday in August 2007.
Not many players last as long at a club as Brunt has done with the Baggies and his presence at the training ground has been a major help for Dara O’Shea.
O’Shea, 21, has broken into the West Brom first-team this season under Slaven Bilic, playing as a centre-back before nailing down a starting spot at right-back.
Although they play in different positions, O’Shea cannot overstate the importance Brunt has had on his budding career.
When asked which team-mate he’s learned the most from, O’Shea told West Brom’s official website: “Brunty. Even though I don’t play in the same position as him I’ve still learnt so much from him.
“He’s been the club captain ever since I signed here and way before that too, so I’ve seen how he leads the team and how instrumental he is in the dressing room.
“I’ve also learnt an endless amount from training and playing alongside him too.”
O’Shea has been brilliant since breaking through at The Hawthorns and while him and Brunt aren’t exactly similar players, Brunt’s experience of playing at left-back in his career could come in handy for the 21-year-old.
O’Shea is very much a defensive-minded player but being out on the wing means he’ll need to improve his positioning and ability to cross the ball into the box.
As we all know, Brunt is one of the best crossers of the ball in West Brom’s history and there’s no one better to help O’Shea improve that aspect of his game.
In other West Brom news, Bilic has said how long it will take for his players to get back up to speed once training is back on.