Athletic journo: West Brom first teamer has taken on ‘key, unseen role’ this season
Charlie Austin has developed a “key, unseen role” at West Brom this season, according to The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley.
The 30-year-old hit double figures for the season with the opener in Albion’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night.
And despite the fact that he has only started 14 of his 28 Championship appearances this season, the hitman has taken on an important part in Slaven Bilic’s squad by taking some of the younger members of the side under his wing.
Writing in a piece for The Athletic, Madeley said: “Off the field, Austin developed a key, unseen role.
“Most days after training, the 30-year-old could be seen still out on the pitch working closely with the club’s talented youngsters.
“Defender Nathan Ferguson benefited from almost daily one-on-one sessions with a proven goalscorer. Winger Kyle Edwards struck up a close bond, too.”
Austin might not have set The Hawthorns alight in the same way that Dwight Gayle did last season, but you can’t fault him for his attitude or commitment to the cause.
The ex-Southampton man has been a breath of fresh air, and to hear that he’s having such a positive influence on some of the younger players in the squad is wonderful too.
To be fair to Austin, he’s hardly been a slouch in front of goal either.
His record of 0.52 strikes per 90 minutes is 0.14 better than Hal Robson-Kanu’s, as per Wyscout.
At 30, Austin is still in that sweet spot in his career where he will likely be one of the most experienced pros in any dressing room, but also knows he has plenty of time left to perform at a top level.
Whether or not Bilic believes he is good enough to thrive in the Premier League remains to be seen, but the fact that he is such a good figure to have around the place could be a key factor in assuring his long term future in the midlands.
In other West Brom news, we’ve found out if Callum Morton can play for Albion now that his loan at Northampton is over.
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