Roberto De Zerbi has revealed why Evan Ferguson will start for Albion against West Ham.
He also suggested Joao Pedro would be on the bench, as was the case at Wolves last week.
Albion are planning for life without their injured No.10 Julio Enciso.
Possible Albion XI v West Ham
Asked why his young Irishman starts for the first time this season, De Zerbi said: “Because Ferguson deserves to play.
“He is another very important player for us.
“He didn’t start in the first two games. And I want to give Joao Pedro time to understand better the style of play.
“Ferguson knows very well our style.
“He has been playing with the team for a year.”
De Zerbi said he wants more than goals from Ferguson.
He added: “He has to score a lot of goals because he is a striker and should not forget the goal.
Possible West Ham XI at the Amex
“But, in the same way, he also he has to improve with the ball, in ball possession, to build up because, if we are under strong pressure, he has to help the team to play.
“I would like him to become No.10 with the ball and No.9 in the last 20, 30 metres.”
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