Pundit Kevin Campbell has issued criticism for West Bromwich Albion's creative midfielder Matheus Pereira.
Campbell believes that while Pereira had a great campaign in the Championship last season, he has endured a rather disappointing Premier League campaign, failing to live up to the hype.
Pereira hasn't stepped up
Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell made it clear that he does rate striker Mbaye Diagne, but the striker isn't getting enough service from the likes of Pereira. Campbell feels that West Brom's better players should've stepped up in the Premier League, but Pereira hasn't done that.
He said: “I think the football club expected Pereira to have a hell of a season because he took the Championship by storm. They thought they had a match-winner in him because he can score and create goals.
“Let’s be honest though, he has been pretty disappointing. You need your better players to step up, especially at the top end of the pitch and we haven’t seen him do that.
“There has been flashes here and there but the Premier League is different from Championship, it is where you earn you name. He has not stepped up.
“I really like Mbaye Diagne up front but he does not get enough service. He is battling the whole back four but he does not get any service – that is the problem. If you are going to get him in you have to provide for him.”
The 24-year-old Pereira had joined West Brom on loan from Sporting Lisbon originally, but the move was made permanent in the summer of 2020.
Currently valued at £11.70m, Pereira had impressed in the Championship while contributing to 28 goals in all competitions. In the current season though, he has contributed to just eight Premier League goals.
Pereira hasn't had a bad season
Pereira has picked up a rating of 6.74 in the Premier League this season and only four West Brom players have picked up better ratings than the Brazilian. He is still the club's highest goalscorer and the highest assister. He has also played the highest number of key passes per game for the side (as per Whoscored).
With all due respect, there are other players in the team who deserve more criticism than the player leading the way in both goal threat and creativity.
In other news, many West Brom fans are angry at a news about a midfielder - read more here.