West Brom attacker Harvey Barnes has revealed that the work done by new assistant coach Graeme Jones has been game changing during his time at the Hawthorns.
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Leicester City with the Baggies, has enjoyed a successful start to his career at the club, netting two goals in their opening games after moving from a wing role to a more central position.
He states that Jones’ influence, with the former Belgium coach another new arrival over the summer, has been key into his success as he revealed the dressing room secrets with regards to their tactics and preparations.
He told the Express and Star: “You look at us going forward, we’re always a threat. We’ve got to get the balance in games, which I think we have done. Even in the QPR game when we scored seven we looked solid at the back.
“It’s not just at the back though, we have to defend from the front and win the ball high. I do a lot of work with Bonner (Graeme Jones). We’ll do little bits during training, little pointers.
“He’s been really helpful in the central role, giving me different ways to get on the ball. Darren’s always helping the team tactically too, and gets us ready for the game. He makes sure things are 100 per cent clear.”
Opinion
Whoever’s decision it was to move Barnes central instead of sticking him out on the wing deserves serious credit, for he has been a revelation in his new position. Whatever Jones has been doing with the youngster behind the scenes has worked a treat and all of West Brom, Barnes himself and parent club Leicester will be delighted with the progress he is making. It is a shame that the Baggies do not have the young forward on a permanent deal for he looks a star prospect and a man who has slotted right into the first team squad at the Hawthorns. While his impressive displays will only increase the club’s desire to snap him up in a transfer deal, they will also convince Leicester to keep a hold of him with a view to promoting him to their own senior side over the coming years. Still, they should enjoy him while they have his talents at their disposal, and who knows what the future holds for the player and the club.