Football
ESPN staff 9y

Saido Berahino, West Brom Premier League Rank, No. 49

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Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Saido Berahino makes the list

The 21-year-old was this season's Harry Kane before Harry Kane came along, but that's not to say there isn't plenty to get excited about regarding Berahino in his own right. Although the young forward obviously wouldn't maintain the sensational early form of seven goals in nine games that saw him talked about as England's future and an imminent signing for one of the elite teams, he has still shown enough to suggest that such a situation is far from improbable.

The live-wire forward will have to ensure that his work rate matches his fine talent if that is to be the case, especially given some of the reports about his attitude. Manager Tony Pulis insists his approach has altered, however, and West Brom's stance has gone from being open to bids in January to wanting to keep the youngster this summer. "He has been fantastic here," Pulis said. "There's been a real change in his attitude, his commitment to everything we've tried to do has been brilliant."

Commitment to West Brom -- and to a manager as rigorous as Pulis -- could be the best thing for his career right now.

-- Miguel Delaney

The stats that tell the story

- Leads West Brom with 20 goals in all competitions this season, with 17 of those 20 goals being scored at home.
- Only West Brom player to appear in all 45 games this season in all competitions.
- Has 10 career goals for England's U-21 team. Only Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers have scored more (13 each).

What the experts say

"Berahino's ability to fashion his own chances is indicative of a player who is potentially top class. The last time that West Brom had a player capable of doing that was Romelu Lukaku during his loan spell three seasons ago." -- Matthew Evans, May 2015.

"While Berahino would be expensive -- rumors place West Brom's asking price around £20 million ($30 million) -- the young striker is years from his likely peak." -- Michael Caley, January 2015.


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