‘Not at the level I want to be’ – West Brom ace makes big admission after poor start to season
West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers admitted that he started the Premier League season below the level of performance he expects from himself.
The St Kitts and Nevis international was dropped after a poor start to the season but has won his place back in recent weeks.
Sawyers was on the receiving end of criticism from his manager Slaven Bilic in that period (via Express and Star) and admitted that he rewatched some of his early performances in order to see what he could do better.
“I wasn’t at the level I want to be or where the gaffer or my team-mates wanted me to be. I want to produce for them,” he told West Brom’s official website.
“I think in the last few games I have shown the Romaine that they know and the Romaine they appreciate. I know I need to continue to do it. I think at the start of the season there was perhaps a lack of knowledge and understanding. I review games and I watch my own performances back all the time. I watch them with the gaffer, other players, coaching staff, friends and family.
“I watched the first few games and I watched knowing that’s not what I’ve ever wanted to be. I’ve always wanted this opportunity to play in the Premier League and it’s a case of not letting it slip through my fingers now it’s here. I had to review that, reset and then go again. ”
Sawyers was back to his best against Sheffield United in the Baggies’ first win of the season last weekend.
Playing in a double pivot alongside Conor Gallagher, he completed the most passes of anyone on the pitch at 91% accuracy (via WhoScored). Furthermore, he completed two tackles, made one dribble and won 100% of his aerial duels.
Jake Livermore testing positive for COVID-19 gave him the opportunity to come back into the team and Bilic now has a big selection dilemma ahead of their match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Given the direct nature with which Palace attack, the Croatian could opt for the defensive and leadership qualities of the club captain, but Sawyers certainly did everything he could to stake his claim for a start in the last match against the Blades.
In other West Brom news, why the Baggies are in the ideal position to add second win v Crystal Palace
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