West Brom sent ‘word of warning’ live on BBC after Yann M’Vila transfer news at The Hawthorns
BBC reporter Richard Wilford has issued a “word of warning” over new West Brom signing Yann M’Vila regarding his lack of fitness.
Albion announced the signing of free agent M’Vila on Monday (19 February) following his exit from Olympiacos last summer.
The former France international is vastly experienced, but he is lacking match sharpness and may take time to get up to speed.
Speaking on BBC Radio WM [20 February, 7:41pm], Wilford said: “A little word of warning: M’Vila has not played a competitive football game since 14 May. He’s 33 years of age and may need a bit of work.”
Tony Brown added: “Yeah. There’s a certain fitness you can get to, but the next level is completely different. You can only do that by playing football matches – it’s completely different to training.”
Yann M’Vila could make big difference for West Brom
Bringing in M’Vila can be considered a coup of sorts given the fact he has previously played for France and Inter Milan, as well as having experience in English football with Sunderland.
M’Vila is an experienced option to come into central midfield and has also previously worked with Carlos Corberan, so the Albion head coach clearly knows what he is getting.
At the same time, the 33-year-old has not kicked a ball competitively now in nine months and there is not exactly a great deal of this season to go.
Corberan will likely have to arrange a behind-closed-doors match, or more likely stick M’Vila in the Under-23s side for a game or two, having opted not to name him in the squad to face Plymouth Argyle.
Even then, that does not come close to the demands of Championship football. If M’Vila can play the odd 10 minutes here and there, though, before potentially pushing for a starting spot a month from now, then it is a signing that could make a massive difference.
In other West Brom news, Steve Hermon has shared what new owner Shilen Patel makes of exit-linked midfielder Tom Fellows.
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