Posted by By Steve Marshall, Express & Star Sports on
Albion boss Bryan Robson today praised Kanu's impact at The Hawthorns, declaring: "He's been our player of the season."
Albion boss Bryan Robson today praised Kanu's impact at The Hawthorns, declaring: "He's been our player of the season."
The Nigerian international played a starring role in the Baggies' biggest-ever Premiership win against Everton on Saturday.
His display continued a run of form which has seen the former Arsenal man become a key figure for Albion during recent weeks.
That is a big improvement on last season when Kanu struggled to live up to the expectation which accompanied his move from Highbury.
"Kanu's been playing really well, he's been our best player this season," said Robson. "He was hampered by a hamstring injury and missed quite a few games early on.
"But every time we've started him this season he's played really well.
"When Geoff felt his calf Kanu came on and it took him 10 to 15 minutes to get going, but from then on he was outstanding with the way he kept the ball and created chanceds.
"Him and Inamoto are really pleasing on the eye to watch when they're full of confidence and playing their best. I want them to be able to work hard and enjoy their football at the same time."
Robson believes Kanu is finally enjoying life with Albion after a difficult first season.The manager said it had been difficult for the striker to adjust to being at a club struggling against relegation after playing for some of Europe's top sides.
Now the boss believes he is fully tuned in to the challenge of keeping the Baggies up for a second consecutive season.
"His mentality has been the difference this season," said Robson."In his career he's been used to playing for clubs like Inter Milan and Arsenal, and when I came here I got the sense he wasn't enjoying things. Hewasn't used to getting beaten most weeks.
"He came into this season knowing it was going to be a tough challenge, but he was up for it.When you're a top player you don't like getting beat. People say he's laid back but I can assure you he isn't, he wants to win."