Communication key to West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone
Albion keeper Sam Johnstone believes constant communication with his team mates is the secret to his outstanding form.
The shot-stopper has been instrumental in the Baggies rise to the top of the Championship – with the 26-year-old again impressing in Monday's 1-0 win at Preston North End.
That result means Albion have now kept clean sheets in five of their last six away matches. It also ensured they registered their fifth consecutive victory.
With Albion tending to dominate possession this season, Johnstone often has long spells where he is not called into action.
But he says talking to his team mates helps him stay focused and be ready when needed.
"It can be tough," Johnstone said when asked how he stays switched on when Albion are on top in matches.
"If you look at it, there are times when I don’t have a lot to do in games.
"But then you look at the stats, and I’m up there with the most saves in the league.
"For me, it's important to keep talking to the defenders and keep talking to the team. Communication is really important.
"By talking and telling other people to switch on, that switches me on. It’s little things like that."
Prior to the battling win at North End, Albion secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Bristol City.
And Johnstone says the Baggies have to be able to win in different ways if they are to win promotion this year.
"In this league, you can’t go out and beat everyone three or four nil – it’s tough," he continued.
"No matter how good a team we are, sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up, you have to do the dirty work.
Against Preston, Nathan (Ferguson) has blocked one on the line. I’ve made a save. And then we go on and win the game.
"It probably feels better that way, that we really had to dig in to get the three points."
Johnstone feels Albion's ability to mix up their style of play has been key to their success this season.
"We play great football," he added.
"And this year we can switch it up – sometimes we go long, sometimes we go short.
"We have got unbelievable players who can take control of the ball under pressure and get out of it. And then the next thing we are in the opponent's box.
"It’s great for me to watch and be a part of and great for the fans as well."
