‘Unbelievable talent’ – Gareth Barry buzzes over ‘nightmare’ West Brom ace
Gareth Barry has claimed that West Brom winger Grady Diangana is an “unbelievable talent”.
The wide man rejoined the Baggies from West Ham over the summer after having spent a hugely successful loan spell at The Hawthorns last season.
Barry played alongside the wide man during that stint, and has been quick to sing his praises as he makes the step up to the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of Albion’s clash against Chelsea (Sky Sports Premier League, 5pm, September 26th), he said: “They’ve got an unbelievable talent.
“Somebody who is so hard to mark one v one in those situations. He’s a full-back’s nightmare.
“He’s unpredictable, he can go both ways, he can cross, and we saw with his goal against Everton that he can strike the ball from distance and score goals.
“I was as surprised as anyone when West Brom got him back. I saw him playing for West Ham this season.”
Who better to comment on Diangana than somebody who played with him day in, day out just a matter of months ago?
The wide man made a serious splash at The Hawthorns last term, and while it has been a slow start for Slaven Bilic’s men this time around, he has been a bright spark at times.
His goal against Everton was sublime, and so far this season, his pass completion rate is actually 5.9% higher than it was in the Championship.
His dribble success rate is also better than it was last term, and his shot accuracy stands at 100%, as per Wyscout.
There’s no doubting that if the Baggies are to survive this season, he will have to thrive.
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