Kevin Phillips defends Okay Yokuslu amid mistakes at end of West Brom loan spell
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 has jumped to the defence of Okay Yokuslu as the midfielder suffered mistakes in his final two matches on loan at West Brom.
In West Ham’s 3-1 win at The Hawthorns last week, Yokuslu was meant to be marking Angelo Ogbonna when the Hammers defender scored at a corner to put his side ahead.
Again Leeds on Sunday, the 27-year-old was guilty of conceding a penalty, that was scored by Patrick Bamford, with a poor handball.
Yokuslu’s error at Elland Road left BBC Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright baffled.
However, Yokuslu’s loan spell at The Hawthorns has been a success in the eyes of ex-striker Phillips, who has refused to criticise the Turkey international.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “When you’re already relegated, it’s hard to judge any player.
“He has done well since he’s come in but he’s made a mistake – I’m not going to sit here and hammer him for it.
“There are a lot of players who are still gutted to have been relegated.
“It would be harsh to criticise any player in this situation, he has been good.”
Yokuslu played 16 times in the Premier League after joining the Baggies on a half-season loan deal from Celta Vigo in the winter.
The Turkish ace made himself popular among fans with his no-nonsense, hard-tackling approach to the defensive midfield role while also being responsible on the ball and effective in the air.
According to stats by Wyscout, Yokuslu completed 85.2 per cent of his passes in the English top-flight this season while also winning 54.3 per cent of the aerial duels he challenged for, averaging 12.21 recoveries per 90 minutes in the process.
We’d love to see him back at The Hawthorns next season regardless of those mistakes against West Ham and Leeds.
In other West Brom news, this manager is expected to get an interview with the Baggies.
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