And Hungary ace says Sunderland trip is start of tricky spell
ZOLTAN Gera has hailed Shane Long as ‘one of the best strikers in the Premier League’.The Hungary international believes his Baggies team-mate is the complete package - and has been particularly impressed by his phenomenal work rate.
The stats certainly back up his view with Long boasting four assists to his name to match his number of top-flight goals this season.
“He’s done fantastically, last season as well,” said Gera.
“It’s difficult for him and Romelu Lukaku because they are two very good strikers, who play in the same position.
“When they play they always play well and score goals.
“Longy does so much for the team.
“He can hold the ball up, score goals, and works hard for the team.
“I think he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
“Sometimes you see players just scoring goals but he doesn’t just do that, he does so much for the team, not just himself.
“He is very important.
“And the whole squad do it for the team.
“There are no individuals who just want glory for themselves.
“Everyone just wants to win games for the team and I think that is very, very good.”
The former Fulham ace admits the Baggies now face a tricky spell of three games in eight days starting on Saturday, with back-to-back trips to Sunderland and Swansea followed by a home clash with Stoke.
“We have some tough games coming up, two away at Sunderland and Swansea,” added Gera.
“Then we have Stoke, who play their brand of football.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges and hopefully we can get some good results from these games.”