Kevin Phillips wowed by West Brom youngster Quevin Castro
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 West Brom youngster Quevin Castro with the midfielder performing well in pre-season training.
Quevin, 19, had trials at both Arsenal and Chelsea before the Portuguese attacking midfielder signed for the Baggies earlier this summer.
According to The Athletic, Albion have been happy with the teenager’s form in pre-season, leading to him playing a bit of first-team action.
Quevin is a player who backs himself too, telling Suffolk News that he sees his move to West Brom as a “stepping stone” in his quest to be “one of the best players in the world”.
Ex-West Brom striker Phillips has no issue with Quevin’s comments, saying that he loves to see the youngster show ambition and drive.
However, he wants to see the Portuguese starlet to walk the walk, as well as talk the talk but predicts it may be tough for him to get many first-team opportunities.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “Valerien Ismael got the best out of his players at Barnsley last season, players that we probably didn’t think would step up the way they did. So it wouldn’t surprise me [if Quevin did] but I would be erring on the side of caution in regards to the first team.
“He should be picking players who’ve got that experience and have been at the club. But I’m sure he’ll be around the fringes of the squad – 100 per cent.
“I like to hear the words coming out of his mouth. There’s no problem with it but you need to back it up with performances.
“It’s different in pre-season matches, just wait until you’re at The Hawthorns with a crowd there egging you on.
“It’s good he’s got confidence and the manager will like to hear that too.”
In other West Brom news, Peter Odemwingie has sent a message to Matheus Pereira amid the latest controversy at The Hawthorns.
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