After a breakout season last year, plenty of West Brom fans expected Rekeem Harper to retain his spot in the starting XI following the arrival of Slaven Bilic, yet it has been a difficult few months for the 19-year-old midfielder.
“I’m 19. I’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot to prove. I’m excited.”@Rekeemharper8 on his return to first-team action, Slaven Bilić and his hopes for the future at The Hawthorns… 💬
Watch the full interview at https://t.co/CZ5IBrM5e0 #WednesdayWisdom | #WBA pic.twitter.com/seNAxb0hVx
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 8, 2020
As stats from WhoScored show, the Baggies academy product has only managed three appearances this season, with Harper only making his second start of the season last weekend against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup, with the youngster playing the full 90 minutes as West Brom won 1-0.
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Many supporters believed that Harper’s time at the club was done with Bilic seemingly not a fan of the youngster, yet a recent interview with the club’s official website has instilled new belief into fans that the teenage midfielder still has his place in the first-team.
Here’s what West Brom fans had to say about Harper’s interview on Twitter…
So refreshing to here this… shows how hard he is really working and shows how he understands that’s it’s not going to be easy to get in the side. Massive future ahead of him. Should be on the bench at the weekend at least for me.
— John (@Johnwba01) January 8, 2020
Fair play to Rak, while others maybe having their heads turned and walk away from our club, this lad has knuckled down and is ready to fight for his place . Good man
— Carl 1878 (@baggyboy1878) January 8, 2020
Great attitude! A lot of young players could learn from Harper, this is how you become a great player – with respect and patience. Louie Barry have a watch!
— Michael (@Crispymick1) January 8, 2020
Shows hes not like berahino and furguson
— … (@ftblchaz) January 8, 2020
Fantastic attitude but Slav has installed this sort of thinking.
I like Harper and people forget he’s still young
Love this— Kevin Green (@KevinGr18640522) January 8, 2020
Really enjoyed that. Sounds like a good lad with an impressive attitude too. Interesting that Slav wanted to keep him at the start and hopefully he can really turn him into a player
— brackers (@76Brackers) January 8, 2020
As the youngster stated in the interview, competition has been tough this season for central midfielders at the club, and at 19, Harper is the youngest player in that area of the pitch in the West Brom squad.