This West Brom star has been told to maintain a solid run of form going into 2024.
West Brom earned an impressive 1-0 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day, courtesy of a Brandon Thomas-Asante goal after the break.
The Baggies returned to winning ways at The Hawthorns after a draw vs Stoke City and a defeat at Middlesbrough before Christmas, and the game vs Norwich City also saw John Swift return to the XI.
The 28-year-old picked up a calf injury before the October international break and he’s been in and out of the XI since.
And following a prolific start to the season which saw Swift net six goals from midfield, the former Chelsea youngster’s form dropped, with Sofascore giving Swift an average rating of 6.8 for November compared to 8.1 at the start of October.
Carlos Corberan wants more of the same from John Swift
Swift looked like his usual self against Norwich.
He started in the no.10 position behind Thomas-Asante and was a threat throughout, making 57 accurate passes and having 83 touches of the ball (Sofascore).
And Corberan has since hailed Swift’s performance vs Norwich whilst also urging the West Brom star to rediscover his best form ahead of the New Year.
Corberan told Express & Star:
“I didn’t want to change him today but he was asking for a change because still the calf felt fatigued. Still I need to see how he reacts from the game time…. He has to be one of our more important attacking players – because that’s the role he has in the team.
“That’s why he’s one of the experienced and important players for us and that’s the contribution he needs to try to find every single time he’s on the pitch.”
Stepping up ahead of a tough spell for West Brom
Corberan will be praying that the likes of Swift and Jed Wallace first of all don’t pick up an injury in the coming weeks, and second of all can showcase their best form.
Not only do West Brom remain in the race for top six but Corberan looks set to lose a string of players to AFCON next month; Semi Ajayi, Grady Diangana, and Thomas-Asante are among those tipped to play in the tournament which starts in two weeks time.
And with Josh Maja and Matt Phillips sidelined, and Daryl Dike yet to make his return to action, Corberan’s attacking options will be depleted should both Diangana and Thomas-Asante head to AFCON.
Pressure then lies on Swift and Wallace to deliver the goods and keep the points coming in for West Brom.
Corberan will be delighted to see Swift back to his best yesterday but this calf injury looks like it’s persisting, and so Corberan will have a bit of a balancing act to keep Swift fit over the next several weeks.
Up next for the Baggies is a home game vs Leeds United on Friday night.