Solid start for Zuiverloon
25 Aug 2008 - 08:33:28
West Bromwich Albion debutant Gianni Zuiverloon earned praise from manager Tony Mowbray for his performance in the 2-1 defeat by Everton at The Hawthorns.
The 21-year-old Dutchman, a summer signing from Heerenveen, showed up well against the Toffees, despite having only recently return from international duty at the Olympic Games.
Mowbray told his club's official website: "Gianni today was the player I signed, that's what you get from him. He'll give us more as we go forward.
"He's been suffering from jet-lag and hasn't slept properly for four or five days. It was touch and go as to whether he'd play, but it's evident he is a quality footballer.
"On Thursday I probably wasn't going to play him. Then I spoke to him on Friday and he said he didn't feel too bad in training and we agreed to start him and see how he went.
"I've watched Gianni enough to know what he can do and today was a typical game. He was quality on the ball, showed quick feet, read the danger and got forward.
"As he gets more accustomed to his surroundings, I'm sure everyone will see what a good player he is."