Evans confident Leko can be Baggies star

Jonny Evans is confident Jonathan Leko can be the Baggies saviour in the absence of Nacer Chadli – despite the attacker being just 17 years of age.

Leko only signed a professional contract in June, by which time he had already picked up five Premier League appearances, becoming the second-youngest player to represent West Brom in England’s top tier.

That was a berth he had while still 16, following it up with five more appearances this season heading into the weekend, all coming from the substitute’s bench.

But Evans is confident the teenager can come to the fore while Chadli takes his place on the sidelines after a knee operation, though the Baggies stressed it was only a minor procedure.

(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“Jonathan has got great ability and he can go past people,” said Evans. “He’s strong in 1v1 situations.

“It’s not very nice facing up to him, because he’s very clever, he watches the defender make his move and he’s very good at going past people.

“For us as someone who’s coming off the bench, who can make an impact, that’s something that as team-mates and players we appreciate.

“Chadli will be a miss for us because he has been fantastic for us since coming here.

“Hopefully we don’t miss him too much as we have good quality in the players that can come in and replace him.”