Albion pair hailed for club’s flying start
Wednesday 29th September 2010, 2:32PM BST.
Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today hailed Youssouf Mulumbu and Nicky Shorey as the “unsung heroes” of the Baggies’ Premier League campaign.
The duo have been fixtures in Di Matteo’s line-up in recent weeks as the team have cemented their impressive start to life back in the Premier League.
And the head coach has paid tribute to their impact on the four-match unbeaten run since defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Mulumbu has become a hit with Baggies fans since joining from Paris St Germain and Di Matteo says his contribution is valued by the Hawthorns staff.
“Maybe he is overlooked by the press but not by us,” said the head coach.
“He is an unsung hero that every team needs and we very much appreciate him as a management, especially as he plays in a position that we know very well.
“Eddie played and that position and so did I and we know how hard it is.
“He is a willing boy and he wants to learn and he wants to improve. He has stepped up and started well and let’s just hope he keeps his feet on the ground.
“I am not surprised by how well he has done. We see him in training every day so we can see who will step up and who won’t.
“We appreciate what he does. He is a good guy. He is a jolly boy with good attitude and good application.”
Shorey has also slotted in effectively since replacing Marek Cech following the Slovakia international’s metatarsal break at Leyton Orient.
The former Villa man has cemented his place at left-back during the impressive start to the league season.
And Di Matteo said: “Nicky’s come in and taken his chance. He’s performed at a high level and has done very well for the club so far.
“He looks composed. He’s had years of experience in the Premier League.”
UK Sport
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