West Bromwich Albion head coach Slaven Bilic has backed new signing Filip Krovinovic to become a fan favourite at the Hawthorns this season.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder became Bilic's first signing as Albion head coach when he joined on a season-long loan from Benfica last month.
Bilic is a big admirer of Krovinovic and has followed his career since he was a youngster at NK Zagreb in Croatia. The West Brom head coach believes his quality and skill on the ball will see him become a fan favourite at the Hawthorns this season.
“He’s a good player and that’s why (we signed him). People here might not know him but I know him from Croatia. This is why we got him,” said Bilic, as quoted by the Express & Star.
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“What is good is when the other players recognise that he’s one of them and the one who’s the best as that type of player, when he’s got the ball he brings everyone else in.
“He’s very positive, very direct, but he also needs games.”
Krovinovic has impressed during pre-season and could make his Championship debut for West Brom against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on the opening day of the season this weekend.
Bilic has already made five new signings since taking charge at the Hawthorns this summer and is hoping to bring in three or four new players before the transfer deadline next week, as he looks to build a team that can challenge for promotion this season.
The Verdict
Krovinovic is a very exciting player and seems to have impressed West Brom fans with his performances during pre-season so far.
He is a very talented footballer and Bilic will know all about his quality having followed his career since his early days in Croatia.
Krovinovic found his chances at Benfica limited by injury problems but an experienced coach like Bilic should be able to help him get his career back on track and get the best out of him as he looks to adapt to English football.
I think he could be a great signing for West Brom and I'm expecting him to play an important role for the Baggies this season.