Kevin Phillips raves about Matheus Pereira improvement at West Brom
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 isn’t surprised that Matheus Pereira has started to tear up the Premier League for West Brom in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old was a major driving force behind Albion’s promotion last term and if it wasn’t for his goal contributions in the top-flight this season, there’s no doubt the Black Country club would already be relegated.
Pereira’s nine goals have help the Baggies tread water but ex-striker Phillips is worried it might be a case of too little too late from the Brazilian playmaker.
However, Phillips claims that’s understandable as Pereira had to get used to playing in the Premier League before reaching the heights he hit in the second-tier.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Phillips said: “We’ve always said he’s a good player.
“It probably took him a while to settle into the Premier League because it was a big jump but we saw enough last season to show that once he settles, he will shine.
“He’s certainly done that of late and has scored some goals. It’s a positive but it does look as though it may have come too late.
“Is it a surprise? It can take a while to settle and that was the case with him.
“If they’re to hold onto him next season and he stays there, he’ll definitely be one of the outstanding players in the Championship if they were to go down.”
Pereira’s future has come under scrutiny in recent days with The Athletic reporting that Aston Villa are one of a number of admirers of the ex-Sporting CP star.
While we’re not shocked to see clubs interested in Pereira, we really do hope he stays and is able to help West Brom return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
We’ve seen from Norwich and Watford this season that if you can keep hold of quality players like Emi Buendia, Todd Cantwell, Ismaila Sarr and Etienne Capoue, the Championship can be an easy-ish league to get back out of for relegated clubs.
In other West Brom news, John Percy has shared a big update on the potential Albion takeover.
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