Journalist singles out West Brom ‘flair’ player who could ‘thrive’ under Big Sam
West Brom star Matheus Pereira has been singled out as a player who could thrive under the management of Sam Allardyce.
Joseph Masi of the Express and Star, who was speaking on their resident podcast, Baggies Broadcast (16/12/20), has tipped the Brazilian for big things under Big Sam, claiming: “He plays flair players. He’s always had players like that, he always has his couple of mavericks, I think, which is why I think Pereira will thrive under him.”
Some fans may have been forgiven for worrying about the immediate future of Pereira, with Allardyce’s reputation for playing negative football.
He will miss Allardyce’s first game in charge of Albion, as he serves the last of his three-game ban following his red card against Crystal Palace.
Consistency the key for Pereira
During his time at Everton, Allardyce predominantly lined up in a variation of 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1, which would allow room for Pereira to either slot in centrally or out wide.
He has played on the right seven times in the Premier League this season and just three times in a central role.
Pereira’s ‘best’ position has been a cause for debate among supporters all season, with an in-depth piece from The Athletic proving that the Brazilian has been more effective when starting from wide positions.
If Allardyce is to succeed at West Brom, he needs to get some consistency from the Baggies’ talisman.
The Brazilian has one goal and two assists this season, as he continues to come to terms with the step-up in quality.
Back-to-back assists against Everton and Chelsea earlier this season showed he can provide the goods in the Premier League.
However, supporters have not seen enough of the player that dazzled the Championship last season.
As per WhoScored, his match ratings in the Premier League this season have varied from as low as 5.44 to as high as 7.98.
Allardyce and West Brom cannot afford for such inconsistency during the second half of the season as they look to survive in the top flight.
In other West Brom news, BBC journalist makes transfer claim about who Allardyce’s first signing could be
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