Snodgrass can fix West Brom set-piece problem – Madeley
Sam Allardyce should consider relieving Matheus Pereira of West Brom set-pieces after a number of disappointing deliveries in recent games.
That is according to The Athletic’s Albion reporter Steve Madeley who undertook an analysis of the Brazilian’s corners and free kicks in the last five games which revealed eight of his 18 deliveries failed to reach their ‘target’.
Pereira is undoubtedly Big Sam’s star man but this appears to be an area he is lacking in.
On Pereira’s deliveries, Madeley said: “Too many have failed to hit the mark. The level of consistency required from a team in desperate need of goals has not been present from Pereira, despite the Brazilian remaining Albion’s most potent attacking force in open play.”
And he has a solution to the issue – Robert Snodgrass.
The 33-year-old has been ruled out of Saturday’s crucial clash with Brighton but could be back for Thursday’s rearranged game with Everton, and Madeley says he could solve Sam’s set-piece problems.
He said: “Allardyce must surely give serious thought to putting him on corners and free kicks duty, even if it leaves Pereira upset.”
Robbie ready to resume responsibilities
It’s an interesting point from Madeley and certainly gives Big Sam food for thought.
The good part of this dilemma is the fact that we can actually conjure an alternative to Pereira – before January who else could Albion turn to?
We’re not blessed with star-studded quality and Pereira is one of the few that could put a ball on a sixpence.
But this is also a quality that Snodgrass has in abundance, and makes up a large part of why he was brought to the club from West Ham in the winter window.
His personality and winning mentality is sure to have played a key role, but he is more than just a cheerleader.
The Scot has never been blessed with blistering pace which is why his technique has always had to shine through, and in his brief Baggies career so far we have seen examples of this as he has cut in from the right onto his left foot and angled inviting balls to the far corner.
Madeley raises a good argument and we agree that Snodgrass should be handed the chance to prove his quality.
This might upset Pereira but tough decisions have to be made at this stage of the season.
It looks like the 24-year-old has one more game to show Big Sam why he should be kept on set-pieces.
In other West Brom news, 27y/o Albion ace says he feels ‘at home’ at The Hawthorns.
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