Kevin Phillips reacts as West Brom eye Derby star Tom Lawrence
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 doubts about Tom Lawrence’s consistency after West Brom were linked with a move for the Derby County attacker.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Lawrence, 27, is a player who the Albion will consider a move for if they sell Matheus Pereira and since then, the Brazilian has of course been sold to Al Hilal.
It is understood that Derby will listen to offers to all of their players due to their financial issues and while ex-Rams coach Phillips feels Lawrence has the ability to perform, he cannot be sure the Wales international will do it on a regular basis for the Baggies.
Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips said: “Having worked with Tom a few times, he can be inconsistent but on his day, he can be a handful for any defender.
“He can score goals but my biggest concern would be his consistency. However, you would like to think he’d stay consistent now he’s another year older.
“If he does come to West Brom, the manager loves to play football and you’d like to think they could play through him.
“He could be a decent signing but my only slight concern would be the consistency of his performances. But if you get him in, play him every week and he plays well, you’ll have a good player on your hands and he’ll score goals too.”
Derby manager Wayne Rooney has since responded to speculation surrounding Lawrence’s future by saying that “no amount of money will get him out of this football club” [Ryan Conway, The Athletic].
Lawrence joined Derby from Leicester in 2017 and has since made 147 appearances in all competitions for them.
The Wales international has 39 goals and 35 assists in 227 Championship outings throughout his career.
In other West Brom news, Peter Odemwingie has sent a message to Pereira amid the latest controversy at The Hawthorns.
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