[ad_pod ]
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…
Charlton Athletic reporter Louis Mendez has hailed the impact of West Brom loanee Sam Field after he started the game against Nottingham Forest last week.
What’s he said?
The young midfielder was sent on loan with Jonathan Leko to the Addicks earlier in the summer to get valuable game time as he wasn’t likely to feature much under Slaven Bilic.
They have done the smart thing by adding a recall clause in the deal which would enable his return in January.
Field hasn’t been able to cement a regular place in Lee Bowyer’s side due to Darren Pratley’s influence at the club, but the 21-year-old has still played his part, featuring in three matches.
Mendez said:
“He started against Forest in midweek, and that first 45 minutes was the best Charlton have played in years and years.
“He was part of that passing, the way they moved the ball around was impressive.
“He came off the bench against Brentford at the weekend and was involved in some last-ditch blocks.
“Field got a special mention afterwards because Bowyer said he put his body on the line for the team, and you don’t always get that with loan players.”
Key character trait
The defensive midfielder is only a young lad, but he’s already showing signs of maturity well past his years.
This can only stand him in good stead when he does make the return back to the Hawthorns – and even though he’s not playing as frequently as he would like, he’s getting vital exposure at the level of football that the Baggies are playing at currently.
Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
To say he was a big part of their best 45 minutes in years and years is only a testament to his ability, on top of his other qualities.
Last term he only managed four starts but made 1.8 tackles per game whilst securing a pass success rate of 80.5%, per WhoScored.
West Brom only let him depart on loan despite late permanent interest from Championship rivals Stoke City as they know the sort of player they have on their hands.
If he shows the same sort of characteristics that he’s displaying at Charlton on his return to Albion, he can be a hit.
[ad_pod ]