‘Real achievement’ – Sky pundit hails ‘brilliant’ West Brom star v Spurs
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino said that West Brom right-back Darnell Furlong was “brilliant” in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Furlong was tasked with marking Son Heung-Min on Sunday and restricted the attacker to a bit-part role in the Spurs win.
Writing in The Times, the former Republic of Ireland international said that he had been impressed with the Baggies, despite their difficult start to the season.
“They were organised, played with energy and created a few chances,” he wrote in The Times.
“Full back Darnell Furlong, 25, was brilliant and didn’t give Son Heung-min a chance all game, which is a real achievement given his class. They may have only three points so far this season and be in the relegation places but they have played some better football than I expected when they were promoted.
“If they can build on this display then they can climb the table. They face Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in the coming weeks.”
On the day, Furlong managed to limit Son to one shot on target and prevented him from completing a single dribble. The right-back won eight aerial duels and completed one dribble, and even registered two shots, in what was an impressive display (via WhoScored).
And this was not the first strong showing from the 25-year-old this season. With an average of 1 tackle, 1.4 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game, he has started seven of the Baggies eight matches so far (via WhoScored). He has also been a valuable attacking outlet, with his cross for Karlan Grant on Sunday leading to one of their best chances of the match.
With 0.15 expected assists per 90, he has been their most creative player by this metric, while he is ranked second in terms of final third entries and third in terms of completed passes in the penalty area (via FBRef).
In other West Brom news, ‘My message to the players’ – Bilic reveals key takeaway following defeat v Spurs