Carlos Corberan full of praise for ‘excellent’ West Brom defender Erik Pieters
Carlos Corberan has been full of praise for Erik Pieters after his performances in a West Brom shirt so far this year, claiming his age makes the Dutchman a pleasure to work with.
The boss claims that, while younger players may get distracted or not work hard because they know they have time on their side, 35-year-old Pieters does not have that distraction, and continues to play at a top level because he loves football.
He was also speaking highly of the defender’s general ability, with his Premier League experience proving he is a top-class player, as it would be impossible to play at that level without being excellent.
Speaking to the Express & Star on 17 October, Corberan gushed: “Pieters has the experience of a clever player of 35 years old, he has a very good game and tactical understanding.
“He still has the desire of an 18-year-old. If physically these players can avoid injuries then they are players you can enjoy a lot.
“Why? Because sometimes players are 23 or 25 years old they are watching all the life still in front of him, and he says ‘why do I have to do this today? I will do it next year’ or ‘tomorrow when I want to’ because they see a massive career in front of them.
“With Pieters, it is not the same, because he loves football, he knows he doesn’t know what happens in the next year or next months. When they love football and in the last part of their career, every day is one they will give their best. It’s exactly like this. Some players no, some yes. We renewed him because he’s a player in the group of ‘yes’.
“For me, without any type of doubt, you are only in the Premier League for 10 years if you are an excellent player. If not it is impossible to be in the best league in football, literally impossible.”
Playing a key role
Even at 35-years-old, Pieters has cemented himself as one of the most important players in Corberan’s system, with his experience and versatility lending itself to the team to a point where there is a noticeable drop in quality when he isn’t on the pitch.
His ability to play both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back brings balance to the team, and with his experience in the side comes leadership and the ability to help organise the team from the back.
For Corberan, Pieters’ role on the pitch is key to the way he sets up his team, and having a player like that is a boost to any side, particularly one like West Brom trying to push towards the Championship playoffs.
If he can stay fit and continue to play a role in the side, age will simply be a number to the Dutch defender, and he will provide the boss with whatever he needs to get the best out of the team.
In other West Brom news, a journalist has shared “desperate” Baggies transfer news.