Kevin Phillips slams Grady Diangana for disappointing West Brom season
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 feels let down by what he’s seen from Grady Diagnaga this season at West Brom with the winger earning a rare start on Sunday in the 2-1 loss against Liverpool.
Diangana, 23, was handed his first start since January 2 by Sam Allardyce but the attacker did next to nothing in what was no doubt a massive opportunity for him.
In the 33th minute, after a questionable piece of refereeing by Mike Dean, Diangana lost possession of the ball to Sadio Mane, who assisted Mohamed Salah’s equaliser.
It’s been a season of very few highlights for the former West Ham winger, who became West Brom’s record signing in the summer and Phillips definitely expected to see more.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “One of the most disappointing players this season, I know he’s been out injured, is Diangana.
“We haven’t seen anything from him in terms of a run of form similar to what he showed in the Championship. That’s been disappointing on his behalf.
“There have been highlights throughout the season. [Matheus] Pereira’s stood out in the second part of the season and obviously [Sam Johnstone’s been very good.
“I just think Diangana’s been a disappointment.”
Diangana’s made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring just one goal which came back in September when he scored a stunning solo effort versus Everton.
That was basically the only highlight of the winger’s season with him battling to adapt to life in the Premier League and also struggling with injury – again – in the winter period.
Diangana was a stand-out player in the Championship last season so we hope that next term, with the Baggies already relegated, he’ll be back to his best.
We’ve still got high hopes for Grady.
In other West Brom news, this 23-year-old could be released by Albion next month with a Championship move on the cards.
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