
Hal Robson-Kanu names ‘secret’ to goalscoring success for West Brom this season
West Brom striker Hal Robson-Kanu has suggested that the “secret” to his impressive form in front of goal this season has been Slaven Bilic’s decision to play him in a central role.
The Wales international has hit 10 goals in 31 Championship outings for the Baggies this term, and is currently their top scorer in all competitions.
But the 31-year-old has admitted that he has his manager to thank for his goalscoring heroics.
Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “The secret is the manager coming in and using me in a key position, where I can bring my best qualities to benefit the team.
“I am most comfortable in the striker position. I can link up play, contribute and create for others, and score goals.
“The manager has been superb all season for us. He has a wealth of experience, having managed at the top level.”
It’s hardly rocket science, but if you play a centre forward through the middle of an attacking lineup, he is always going to be more likely to score.
And so it has proven with Robson-Kanu this season.
Occasionally stuck out on the flank for the Baggies in the past, we have seen notable improvements in his striking ability since Bilic has shown more faith in him as a leading man.
So far this term, his goals per 90 minutes ratio has risen to 0.4 from 0.18 last term, as per Wyscout.
Similarly, his shot accuracy has gone up 14.5%, and his xG is higher too.
Bilic’s faith has been repaid with a double figures goals tally, and you wouldn’t bet against him adding to that total in the promotion run-in.
In other West Brom news, Hal Robson-Kanu has detailed how some WBA players have got through lockdown
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