‘You know I’m a big fan’ – Bilic claims West Brom player was ‘much better’ v Sheffield United
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has praised midfielder Romaine Sawyers for his improved performance against Sheffield United last weekend.
The Baggies earned their first Premier League win of the season against the Blades, with a Conor Gallagher goal sealing the 1-0 margin of victory.
Partnered in the centre of midfield alongside Gallagher, Sawyers completed 91% of his passes and made two tackles (via WhoScored), and earned plaudits from his boss in the process.
Bilic has been critical of Sawyers so far this season but said that last Saturday’s showing was “much better”.
He said (via Express and Star): “That was better. That was much better. You know I’m a big fan of Romaine from last season, and I told him – I had a few conversations with him last season and now – this is where I want Romaine to be, where I want him to play.
“He’s got to be simply more active. It’s not about ‘can he do it without pace?’ No no no, he’s got it. He’s got more than enough of that, he simply has to be more active. He was, on and off the ball, in that position – you’ve got to be the metronome for the team, keep the balance, be in the zone.”
After doing plenty of tinkering with his midfield already this season, Bilic seems to have found a nice balance in recent weeks with Sawyers and Gallagher.
While the Chelsea loanee is an outstanding presser and dribbler, the St Kitts and Nevis international is able to act as the metronomic passer, setting the play from deep in the midfield.
The 30-year-old completed 50 passes against the Blades, more than any other player on the pitch, and made one dribble and won 100% of his aerial duels (via WhoScored).
Only Filip Krovninovic and Rekeem Harper have completed more accurate short passes per 90 minutes for West Brom this season. Sawyers average of 37.6 is also far higher than that of midfield rival Jake Livermore, who averages just 21.4.
Overall, Sawyers brings important skills to this side and it is clear that Bilic values him highly. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see him retain his place in the future.
In other West Brom news, why the Baggies are in the ideal position to add second win v Crystal Palace
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