OPINION
When a club signs a player in their mid thirties, it is safe to say that a few eyebrows would be raised and a few questions would be asked.
That is no different with West Bromwich Albion, who have just brought in attacking midfielder Wes Hoolahan from Norwich City late on in the transfer window.
Hoolahan is 36-years-old, so there is no danger in saying that he does not have much of his playing career left – so boss Darren Moore must make the most of his remaining talent while he still can.
The one way he can do this is by utilising the veteran midfielder in order to aid his younger players, for example Harvey Barnes and Sam Field.
As Baggies legend Ally Robertson wrote in his column for the Express and Star, Hoolahan and his vast amount of experience will help “contribute to those players’ development.”
This is true – having a player on the training ground as well as the pitch with his calibre will be pivotal in helping the youth players progress.
Robertson wrote how many would think that he is blocking “the pathway of some of Albion’s talented youngsters” – while this is accurate to an extent, he will definitely prove to be more of a help than a hinderance.
West Brom have two games a week for the forseeable future, so there is no doubt that Moore will provide them with the opportunities to get some minutes under their belts soon.
Hoolahan is capable of bringing the best out of these promising talents, especially if they watch what he does in training.
As young players, they must listen to every word that is said to them from players like Hoolahan – as it will only prove them dividends when they finally break into the first team on a regular basis in the future.