West Brom boss Slaven Bilic has explained how he has changed Matt Phillips' game to ensure the winger chips in with more goals.

The 28-year-old is in his fourth season with the Baggies and whilst he has impressed with his ability over the years, he hasn't contributed as regularly as some would have hoped.

Phillips managed six goals across two years in the top-flight before hitting five last season in the Championship. So, with the Scotland international already on four from 11 games in this campaign, he is sure to beat his previous best.

And, Bilic told the Express & Star that getting more goals out of the wide man was always a target and he revealed what he has told the player to ensure he is getting in the right positions.

"He (Phillips) was always a top player. He always had that in him, but wingers have to be in and around the box. He likes to be around the box, but I said to him sometimes he wasn’t in the box enough.

"If you’re in the box with his pace, physicality and skill, he’s going to get chances and then it’s all about how to convert them."

The verdict

This is a good insight from Bilic and an example of the little things that he does which have helped Albion improve a lot under his guidance.

He clearly sees a top player in Phillips but his goalscoring stats have not reflected that ability in recent years and it needed to change.

The early signs this season are positive and the winger should be targeting 10-15 this season in the Baggies promotion push.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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