Report – Bilic set to to include never-before-seen West Brom youngster in first team training
Slaven Bilic is set to give West Brom youngster Nick Clayton-Phillips a chance to prove himself in first team training, according to The Athletic.
The 20-year-old wide man is yet to make his senior bow for the Baggies, but has been handed a contract extension at a time when several of his peers have been let go.
The academy prospect is deemed top of his class for Albion’s development side, and spent a short spell on loan at National League outfit Solihull Moors before the season was curtailed early because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
But it is understood that he has done enough to catch the eye at his parent club, and will be given his opportunity to mix with the senior squad in the summer build-up to the 2020/21 campaign.
Clayton-Phillips had hit four goals in 13 Premier League 2 appearances this term before being given his chance with Moors in the fifth tier.
This really is fantastic news.
There’s nothing better than seeing a local lad rise through the academy ranks, and after loan spells with Braintree Town and Kidderminster Harriers, Clayton-Phillips has certainly paid his dues.
Of course, it’s a huge step up to make from non-league football to a potential Premier League squad, but there is evidently belief that the youngster has what it takes, and one of the most pleasing aspects of Bilic’s tenure so far has been his willingness to trust in youth.
The likes of Nathan Ferguson, Kyle Edwards, and Rekeem Harper have all come on leaps and bounds in recent times, and statistically, Clayton-Phillips can definitely compete.
This season he has a higher dribble success rate, higher cross accuracy rate, and higher xG than Edwards, as per Wyscout.
Here’s hoping he can make good on his chance when it is handed to him.
In other West Brom news, there’s been an update on the latest speculation surrounding Dwight Gayle and a return to the Black Country.
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