Matheus Pereira put in a blistering display to blow Swansea away and his fellow teammate Charlie Austin was quick to lavish praise upon him after the match, taking to Twitter to do so.
The Brazilian got on the scoresheet but it was his all-round display and service to others that was crucial to the Baggies’ victory, as he also picked up a hat-trick of assists.
That led to Austin describing him as an “absolute joke” who is a pleasure to play with, and the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu and Matty Phillips are likely in agreement after they benefitted from his vision and passes.
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Fellow professional Charlie Adam also took the opportunity to praise Pereira, describing him as the best player in the Championship, which is very high compliment to make, but one some fans seem to agree with.
Austin has benefitted from playing with the midfielder by scoring five goals so far, but Slaven Bilic should be confident in all his strikers getting on the scoresheet when Pereira is in top form.
He is increasingly looking like an inspired signing and he could be crucial next year if the Baggies are promoted, which supporters feel is becoming a more realistic target with each passing game.
One fan has described it as the best West Brom side he’s seen, and given the energy and excitement with which they play that is no surprise – and it is Pereira who is key to that.
Austin himself has found a bit more form and can be considered unlucky not to have got on against the Swans, which underlines the strength in depth at the club – a factor which often proves key to promotion.