Former West Brom favourite Darren Moore tips Craig Dawson to have a bright future
Albion hero Darren Moore today tipped defensive young gun Craig Dawson to push Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson for their first-team places.
Dawson deputised for the injured Olsson in the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace and the 1-1 home draw with Chelsea. And Moore, who was present for the Chelsea game, was impressed with Dawson's progress.
"I went to the game, I watched Craig and analysed him," said Moore, who got to know the former Rochdale centre-back during his spell back at Albion as a youth-team coach.
"I was impressed, as I have been with him for some time. His positional sense was excellent. He was up against a clever player in (Samuel) Eto'o yet he matched him all the way. He smothered the ball well, his interceptions were very good but it was his positioning which really caught my eye.
"He's a good professional and I think he can prove himself in the Premier League but, as with all players, he needs games – that isn't easy given the players Albion have in that position.
"He's 23, he's been out on loan, he has a good size, good mobility and he just needs consistency."
Olsson hopes to return for Saturday's home game with Fulham in the Premier League with Dawson the most likely man to make way. But Moore believes Dawson has a big future.
The former defender said: "Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson have been the cornerstone of West Bromwich Albion – they are probably the best partnership since Wile and Robertson and, when players have that understanding, you always associate one as both. They have been impeccable over two or three seasons now and I can understand how frustrating it must be for someone trying to break in. The one thing 'Daws' has over Gaz and Jonas is a little more pace and agility – and the good thing is he can play alongside either player. But Daws proved against Chelsea that he can give Pepe Mel a headache once Jonas Olsson is fit again. And the one thing you have with Craig is a player who is now ready to step in to the side straight away."
Moore features in the first XI of 'players that made you fall in love with Albion'. Check out the video and other players here
