Filip Krovinovic is perfect fit for West Brom
Slaven Bilic has explained why he is so eager to re-sign Filip Krovinovic – with Albion’s head coach hailing the Croatian as the ‘complete midfielder’.
Krovinovic impressed in 43 outings for the Baggies last season – playing a key role both on and off the pitch in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
Albion have been locked in talks with Benfica about re-signing the Croatian with Bilic saying last week he would be ‘extremely disappointed’ if his countryman didn’t return to The Hawthorns.
In the last few days though a breakthrough has been made with Krovinovic expected to again join the Baggies on a temporary basis once he has put pen to paper on a new deal with Benfica.
Bilic has previously hailed Krovinovic’s impact in the dressing room, with the boss saying the 25-year-old is always smiling. But his ability on the pitch is why Bilic was so keen for him to return – with the boss believing he is a player with huge potential.
“Make no mistake it’s a bonus that he’s loved here, that everybody likes him and he’s a positive guy – that’s a bonus,” Bilic said.
“But we didn’t bring him here for that. We’re bringing him for his quality.
“He’s a complete midfield player. He’s got a bit of everything – he’s comfortable on the ball, he gives everything.
“In the second half of the season he became more of a goal threat than when he joined us.
“With him you can be versatile. He’s an unsung hero – you don’t see it straight away when you’re watching the game, but he’s helping the players be in a better position or better situation.
“He’s always available, a box-to-box midfielder who gives everything.
“That’s why I insisted on him. Thank God, hopefully, it’s going to happen, basically in a matter of hours.”
