‘Intelligent’ Erik has more to offer
EXPERIENCED defender Erik Pieters has been backed to continue playing at the high level he is currently operating at for West Bromwich Albion.
The 35-year-old, who is 36 in August, has enjoyed an illustrious career to date representing the likes of Holland, PSV Eindhoven, Stoke City and
Burnley before joining Albion.
He started as a left-back but has moved into a centre-half berth for the Baggies this season, deputising alongside Cedric Kipre. And asked about the prospect of him moving into coaching, manager Carlos Corberan said there is more to come from him on the playing side yet.
“I didn’t speak to him about this! I can only speak to you on him as a player – as a player, he is very good eh?” he added. “To make a career that he has done in the Premier League.
“Nobody gives you the number of years he achieved in the Premier League. He did something unbelievable in moving from left-back to centreback.
“If you ask me do I think he is done or can he still play football? I still think he can play football.
“Why? Because he’s very intelligent and has a lot of qualities. So for me, Erik
Pieters’ career as a player, in my opinion, is not done yet.
“Is age affecting his body? Is he as quick as he was before? No. But he is very clever and understands football very well.
“If you want to attack more, Pieters on the left has solutions that I’ve only found with him.”