Hurzeler: Hinshelwood's versatility is outstanding

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The 19-year-old has started all of Albion's Premier League fixtures so far this campaign.

Charlie Hanson

2024-09-28T06:00+01:00

Jack Hinshelwood celebrates with Fabian Hurzeler during our 2-1 win over Manchester United earlier on this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Jack Hinshelwood’s fine display in midfield against Nottingham Forest has left Fabian Hurzeler with a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s game at Chelsea.

The academy graduate had been utilised at full-back in the opening four games of the campaign, but against the Reds he put in a terrific performance in the middle of the park that was topped off with his first goal of the season.

Now his head coach has to decide where he will play the 19-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

“It's tough because he can play in several positions and in all of those to a really good level,” said Hurzeler. “Against Nottingham, he had an outstanding performance in midfield. He understands the game and he's very clever in recognising his position – how he needs to open the passing lines, how he needs to move into which space to find the free teammate. It only works if you really understand the game and he does in an outstanding way.

“He also performs quite good as a full-back. It's tough for me to pick his best position because I think he has several best positions.

“We have to make a decision where he helps the team the most, in which situation of the game we are in, and how the opponents are. We need to find the best position for him against Chelsea.”

Jack Hinshelwood celebrates his outstanding header against Nottingham Forest. 📷 by James Boardman.

Following his red card against Forest, Hurzeler was unable to attend his post-match press conference, but reflected positively on the 2-2 draw on Thursday morning.

“We did enough to win this game. In the end if you don't make the third goal, then you have to defend better and you can't concede these easy goals. We have to improve.

Three of Jack Hinshelwood's four Premier League goals have been headers. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“But in life it's always about perspective, how you want to see it. So on one side you can say we had two games in a row which we should have won but didn’t, or you can say we are still unbeaten.

“I'm more directed towards the positive one. I always say the bottle is half full and not half empty. That's why we keep staying positive and keep seeing the positive things in the situation.”