OPINION
West Bromwich Albion need to do everything they can to keep Stefan Johansen at the Hawthorns as he is a player worth his weight in gold.
The 28-year-old’s loan spell from Fulham hasn’t been perfect by any means but at times he has wowed West Brom fans by being a class above.
Johansen was once again at his best against Derby on Sunday and while West Brom lost 3-1 to the Rams, the midfielder stood out for all the right reasons.
The midfielder was constantly a threat during the game and he even managed to score a show-stealing goal in the 47th minute that no doubt had Derby squirming about their chances of winning the play-offs.
Johansen’s stunning goal didn’t go unnoticed by Clinton Morrison, who was watching the game for Sky Sports’ Soccer Special, as he labelled it magnificent.
“Yeah build up play on the left, Rodriguez plays the ball in and Johansen takes a touch at the corner of the box and he whips it around a Derby defender into the top corner past Kelle Roos and it’s a magnificent finish,” said Morrison (Sky Sports News, 13:36, Sunday May 5th).
Morrison may have only drooled over Johansen for his goal but his choice of words are very telling.
It’s not often you hear the word magnificent used by a pundit but when Johansen is on top-form, it’s really the only word that does him justice.
The 28-year-old is capable of doing the unthinkable as he has the magic ability to make something out of nothing.
Johansen’s slow start to life at the Baggies could be put down to rustiness after not playing much for Fulham ahead of arriving but now that he has shown what he can do at top-form, West Brom should view him as must keep.
This means WBA, whether in the Premier League or the Championship next season, need to attempt to sign the midfielder permanently because as it stands he is set to return to Craven Cottage in the summer once his loan spell ends.