De Zerbi: Jack 'is the son' of Pascal Gross

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Head coach praises teenager's goalscoring contribution to 2-1 win over Brentford.

Bruce Talbot

2023-12-06T22:46:00Z

Roberto De Zerbi in animated mood on the touchline.

Roberto De Zerbi described Jack Hinshelwood as ‘the son of Pascal Gross’ after the 18-year-old marked his first full Amex appearance with the winning goal against Brentford.

Hinshelwood became the fourth teenager to score for Albion in the Premier League this year after the 'real' Pascal Gross had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty in a 2-1 win which was our first at home in the league since September.

“He [Hinshelwood] played another great game,” said De Zerbi. “He plays like an older player. Jack is the ‘son’ of Pascal Gross but he has personality, he can play in every position and he is smart. He works like Pascal Gross. He started in full-back position but then he played between the lines.

“I think his best position is midfield but he can also play full back. The players have to be ready to play in different positions and understand the demands of that position.”

Hinshelwood’s goal came moments after he’d made a goalline clearance to stop Brentford from regaining the lead. De Zerbi felt anything other than a victory would have been harsh on his side, who remain eighth in the table.

“If we had conceded a goal in that situation after they came two times in our half of the pitch it would have been difficult. We lost two points in an incredible way against Sheffield United and Fulham, but sometimes we can be lucky as well.”

De Zerbi is happy with the level of Albion’s performances at the moment, especially as he still without ten players through injury or suspension.

“We have had to transform problems into opportunities this season,” he said. “We are without ten important players but we are keeping the same level as last season. We are playing well. [Carlos] Baleba is not [Moises] Caicedo yet and Igor is not [Levi] Colwill yet, but they can become.”