Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong has earned huge praise from Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer for his performance in his debut.
The Blues signed Chong on loan from United for the 2021/22 campaign and the Dutch winger made his debut in the club's shock 1-0 win over newly-relegated Sheffield United in their opening game of the Championship season.
Chong played in a slightly different role to normal, featuring as part of a midfield three rather than as a wide player, but earned plaudits from fans and media for his dedication and quality.
Birmingham boss Bowyer spoke after the game about the 21 year old's performance and admitted that while it was a gamble to try Chong in a role he's never played before, he was impressed.
“Tahith is a young lad, sometimes people question young lads that come from big clubs when they drop down into the Championship or League One.
"People question their attitude but I have to say from day one he came through the door he has been excellent in possession and out of possession.
“I knew he would bring us something a little bit different.
“Again it was a gamble because I asked him to play in midfield and if they overpowered us in midfield, Gardner was a bit higher, Woods was lower so I had to trust him on the defensive side and I have seen enough of him to do be able to do that.
“When he made that run towards the end, 50 yards tracking someone, tracking someone sprinting back to help the team out – that will do for me."
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