Exclusive: Kevin Phillips mentions Cristiano Ronaldo during discussion on West Brom talent
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 claimed that West Brom winger Matheus Pereira needs to work at not going to ground too easily in matches.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, the former Baggies striker compared the wide man to modern legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and his own issues with hitting the floor during his early years with Manchester United.
Pereira came in for stick on Tuesday night against Fulham after he seemingly made a meal out of Michael Hector tussling his hair while he lay on the ground after a challenge.
And Phillips has urged him to cut that element out of his game.
Speaking to West Brom News, he said: “I remember when Ronaldo first came to the Premier League. I was very lucky to play against him in his early days. You only had to blow on him and he fell over.
“Pereira, he’s not as bad as what Ronaldo was, but it’s something he’s got to look at.
“He needs to tighten it up a little bit because you don’t want to be getting a reputation for going over too easily.
“We’ve had players like that in the Premier League before, and when there is a real decision to be made, refs tend to not give it to you.”
Pereira has regularly been a target for defenders and oppositions players this season.
Of the Championship players that have played over 1,000 minutes in the league this term, he is the second most fouled in the entire division, averaging 2.6 fouls per 90 minutes, as per Whoscored.
In other West Brom news, Albion have been tipped to sign this Man United player on a £37,500-a-week loan deal.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.