‘Come out of nowhere’ – Exclusive: Phillips blown away by West Brom fringe player
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips is impressed by what he’s seen from Kamil Grosicki since the West Brom fringe player returned to first-team duties for Sam Allardyce.
Grosicki, 32, earned just five starts while Slaven Bilic was in charge at The Hawthorns even though he was the one who signed the Poland international for Hull last January.
Sam Allardyce has now started Grosicki in all of West Brom’s last three matches with the ex-Hull man assisting goals against both Blackpool and West Ham.
Matheus Pereira has understandably stolen the headlines at The Hawthorns in recent weeks but ex-Albion striker Phillips believes Grosicki has also played his part in a couple of strong performances.
“There are promising signs, certainly going forward and Pereira’s been a part of that so hopefully his form continues and likewise with Grosicki. He’s played well and come out of nowhere,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Attacking-wise, they are causing teams problems but they’re conceding an average of two goals every game this season, which is a huge concern for Big Sam.
“But there are positive signs from the attacking players.”
Grosicki was seconds away from not being a West Brom player at the end of the last transfer window when the paperwork for a move to Nottingham Forest was submitted late.
However, the former Rennes winger has managed to get his head down, work hard and play his way into Big Sam’s plans at The Hawthorns even though he was out of the picture when Bilic was in the Black Country.
Grosicki has played just five times in all competitions for the Albion this season despite players like Matt Phillips and Grady Diangana struggling to make an impact.
It remains to be seen whether he’ll be in the starting line-up against Manchester City on Tuesday night to earn a fourth consecutive start but based on his form, Allardyce could well do that and use his pace as an outlet on the wing.
In other West Brom news, there’s been a big update on the ownership mystery at The Hawthorns.
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