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This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...
Former Championship striker Noel Whelan has heaped praise on West Brom winger Matt Phillips after his start to this current campaign, talking to Football Insider.
What’s he said?
The Baggies have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season winning three and drawing three of their opening six matches – which sees them occupy fourth spot in the table, less than a handful of points off league leaders Swansea City.
Albion winger Phillips has started every single match, scoring two goals and providing one assist, per WhoScored.
This week’s international break has given time for reflection and Whelan believes that Philips has been instrumental to their season so far, he said:
“I think he’s done exceptionally well when he’s been playing. I really like him, he’s strong, got everything, every attribute that you would want from an attacker.
“He can play through the middle as well as in the wide areas, great turn of pace and an eye for goal. I think he’s started the season really well.
“A player that I’ve admired as well because when you have that many attributes you can be a gamechanger and match-winner, he’s certainly got that in his locker.”
Key to their success
The 28-year-old is likely to be one of the keys to their success come the end of this season, certainly if his start is anything to go by.
His fine form early doors has already earned him a three-year contract extension and him agreeing to that has been down to his boss Slaven Bilic’s impact, as cited here.
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It’s even more impressive to see considering the winger would have been put on his toes with the arrival of three players who play the same role as him on deadline day – Grady Diangana, Matheus Pereira and Chris Willock.
Only the West Ham loanee, Diangana, has a higher average rating than the Scot, who is at 7.12 for the season.
Phillips also is averaging 2.5 shots per game, only bettered by Charlie Austin, as well as 2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per match – a sign of how well he’s playing all round this year.
The praise from Whelan is certainly warranted.
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