West Bromwich Albion teenage sensation Saido Berahino has been in some superb form for his side of recent late, and the teenage sensation looks set for a very bright future at the Baggies. England Under 21 manager Gareth Southgate however, has urged Berahino to keep his feet on the ground after his recent run of form.
The Burundi born striker has made a senmsational start to his life at West Bromwich Albion, after some superb displays in recent games including a game against Manchester United, were he scored a superbly worked goal as the Baggies won at Old Trafford.Berahino continued his fine form by scoring against newly promoted Crystal Palace, as the Baggies won 2-0, Berahino also starred in the 2-2 draw away at Chelsea as Steve Clarke’s men are improving after a difficult start to the season.
But Southgate, who has seen Berahino score four times in three Under-21s fixtures stated in his press interview.
“He’s a player we really like and he’s a pleasure to work with.
“He wants to improve all the time but he’s just on the cusp of breaking into West Brom’s team.
“He hasn’t started the last couple of games. He’s scored in a couple of high-profile games which has obviously elevated people’s awareness of him.
“There’s a realisation of his ability and Roy Hodgson and Dan Ashworth have worked with him at West Brom. He is a young player who is developing.
Berahino, and his Under 21 team mates are currently in Milton Keynes preparing for their match against Finland, and with prolific experienced centre forwards ahead of him in the pecking order, the youngster should keep his feet on the ground .
But Roy Hodgson opted against that, citing that the player was better off playing for Southgate’s side.
Hodgson has no shortage of options with plenty of Premier League and international experience. He has also just called up Southampton’s uncapped duo Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana.The under-21s boss agrees with Hodgson’s decision and admits that Berahino only has an outside chance of boarding the plane for Brazil.
The European Championship qualifiers, ahead of France 2016, might be a more realistic ambition for Berahino, despite the Albion man in fine form for his club.
“Let’s make sure we’re looking at the longer-term, if something happens in the short-term then brilliant, what a bonus. I think it would be a mistake for our lads to focus too much on it, of course they’d all love to go to Brazil as part of the squad but there’s a bigger picture for all of them I think.
Whatever happens within regards to Berahino, he certainly has a bright future, after being linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in the last few days, Albion have been in talks with the powerful centre forward over a new long term deal.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1