Exclusive: Kevin Phillips raves about centre-forward West Brom reportedly want to sign
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 believes that Ollie Watkins has proven he can step up to the Premier League after West Brom were linked with the Brentford forward.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Slaven Bilic wants to sign the 24-year-old this summer to add more competition to his striker options at The Hawthorns.
Watkins has scored 26 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions for Brentford this season.
However, it is not only his record in front of goal that has impressed Phillips, with the ex-West Brom striker hailing the player’s overall play up front.
“To be successful in the Premier League you obviously need to be able to score goals, which he’s shown this season he can,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Secondly, you’ve got to be able to run, you’ve got to be quick nowadays and he’s got pace.
“Thirdly, you’ve got to be able to hold the ball up and I think that’s one of his biggest improvements over the last two seasons. The way he rolls defenders, he gets the right side of them.
“All those components suggest to me that he could make the step up [to the Premier League].
“It’s always a gamble because you’re playing against better defenders but, nevertheless, if he went to a Premier League team, he could score goals if he’s given the chances.”
Phillips is adamant that West Brom won’t be the only team who are interested in signing Watkins this summer – especially if Brentford do not win promotion to the Premier League.
Watkins scored as the Bees beat Swansea on Wednesday night to book their place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, where they will play Fulham on Tuesday.
If Fulham win that game then Phillips expects a rush of clubs to join the Baggies in pursuing the ex-Exeter striker.
“I’m sure he won’t just be on West Brom’s radar if Brentford don’t go up. I’m sure he’ll be on other peoples’ radars,” Phillips added.
“He’s certainly impressed me this season. He’d definitely be one on the list.”
West Brom need to sign a new striker this summer.
Charlie Austin was the club’s top goalscorer last term with 11 goals in all competitions while Hal Robson-Kanu netted 10 and Kenneth Zohore scored just five.
After failing to impress in the Championship, it is unlikely they will do much good in the Premier League and Watkins seems like the kind of striker who’d be a major upgrade.
In other West Brom news, Albion are locked in negotiations to sign this Premier League striker.
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.