Albion stalwart Paul Robinson has urged summer signing Gianni Zuiverloon to stay at Albion – even if bigger clubs start chasing him.
Scouts from England’s largest clubs have reportedly taken an interest in the young Dutchman, thanks to his starring performances early in his Baggies career.
Robinson believes the 22-year-old should avoid having his head turned and consider the risks of moving on too soon.
The long-serving defender said: “For me ‘Gio’ has got everything. He is quick, athletic, has great reading of the game, he can use the ball well and get up and down the line.
“What more do you want from a full-back? He is 22 now and he has got a great future ahead of him – there is no doubt in my mind. I’m just hoping that the big clubs stay away and don’t take him away from us.
“You see a lot of young lads now go away from clubs like ours and they’re not playing.
“Probably the most disappointing thing about football now is when you see quality young lads go away from a team and then don’t play regular first team football like they have been.
“I don’t want to see the young lads do that any more. I want to see them be brave and make the decision to stay at the club where they have been playing and improve more, until they know they can go to a big club and play week in, week out.”
Zuiverloon arrived at The Hawthorns in the summer in a £3.2million summer transfer from Dutch Eredivisie side Herenveen. He has become an instant hit, with some classy performances at right-back in a re-shaped Baggies defence.
His impressive start has not surprised Robinson, who got a sneak preview of his new colleague’s talents.
He said: “I had seen him play for the under-21s against England and in that epic penalty shoot-out.
“He looked like a quality player then. I missed the pre-season game against Herenveen last season when he played at right-back but the lads said he looked very strong and quick on that day.
“When I saw him in training there was no doubt in my mind that this lad could be an exceptional player and he had been first class for us.”
“He is a great lad around the place. He is only young but we try to make everyone feel welcome as soon as possible and the laughing and the joking and banter between the younger and the older lads is great.
“Everyone enjoys it. I think every play at the club at the moment would say it’s great to be around the buzz and getting three points gives you a bit more of a buzz.”
8 Comments
ooo ooo ooo gianni zuiverloo ooooooooon
While I will applaud Paul Robinson for his advice to Zuiverloon,I’m afraid in these days of money motivated greed and the potential for high profile stardom, these young kids will show no loyalty whatsoever, they do not know the meaning of the word.
Contracts mean nothing to them, its just an autograph on a piece of meaningless paper.
They (that is the player and his also greed infested agent) will hold the club to ransom, for a double your money contract or I want out and until something is put in place to eradicate this mindless culture, the bigger clubs will always cherry pick the smaller ones.
I hope he does show the Braggies some loyalty, but if he doesnt, dont be too surprised.
Although i too applaud Robo,s advice to the younger lads, I,m afraid Lamplighter is sadly,probabley right in what he say,s.Loyaltyhas gone out of the wndow.The almighty dollar is all that matters to players now.Prove us wrong Zouvy!
Sadly Lamplighter,you are right.
Bit early isn’t it for this conversation. In theory, you are all right as that’s life with most footballers, but give the guy a break, he’s only been here 5 minutes and we’re making all of these assumptions. All articles like this do is assist the head-turning process. SSShhhhhh, he’s rubbish
Well if we get 20 million it will be good for our future!
This guy is class, with Donk, Olsen, and Robbo I think this is our best back four we have had for a long time.
Barnett and Meite will have a hard job getting back in but competition fr places is good now.
TM has the balance right.
If he plays well against M-united they will be in for him in January.With the money they have we don’t stand a chance of keeping him