‘White-hot’ – Exclusive: Pundit thrilled by what he saw from West Brom ace v Derby
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 hailed Kamil Grosicki for making the most of his opportunity in the West Brom starting line-up over the last couple of games.
Grosicki, 32, was signed by Albion in an £800,000 deal from Hull City in January but hadn’t started a Championship match since he played Hull at The Hawthorns last week.
The Poland international scored in that game before supplying an assist in the 2-0 win over Derby on Wednesday as Slaven Bilic named the winger to start for the second time in succession.
Phillips is fully aware of how well Grosicki has done to get into the Baggies’ starting line-up because of the sheer strength in depth they have in attack and is really impressed by the Polish winger’s performances as of late.
“I’m not really surprised [it took so long for Grosicki to be a starter] because Slaven had a settled side with Robinson, Diangana and Pereira. Obviously Diangana was injured and was out for a period but with Robinson, Pereira and Matt Phillips, it’s tough when you come into a side that are flying,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“As a player, you don’t expect to get much game-time because the team is winning games and you don’t really change it.
“When you get a chance in that side you take it and Grosicki certainly looked white-hot against Derby.
“He showed glimpses of quality, he got in down that left-hand side a lot of times.
“I like their combination play with Pereira, Diangana and Sawyers, who for me was excellent.”
Grosicki may be 32-years-old but when you watch the way he moves around the football pitch, you would think he is 22.
He is so pacey and defenders find it really hard to deal with him when he builds up a head of steam.
What we hadn’t seen from Grosicki before the Championship was suspended was a cutting edge.
He would get to the by-line or get the ball into a dangerous position but his final ball wasn’t there or he’d go for a pass rather than shoot.
But since the restart he has been on it, assisting two goals and scoring that one against Hull.
Grosicki might be rested this weekend so Bilic can name a fully fit side to start against Fulham on Tuesday but the Polish ace has been one of the most impressive players for Albion since the season started up last month.
In other West Brom news, Albion could be invited to play for silverware at Wembley next month.
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