Albarus: Versatility key to my opportunities

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Albion face Reading in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night.

Charlie Hanson

2024-11-20T06:00+00:00

Danny Welbeck with Zane Albarus ahead of training on Monday. 📷 by James Boardman.

Our men's under-21s face Reading in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night, kick-off 7pm.

Ahead of the game, Zane Albarus discussed the campaign so far.

Zane, how has the season been so far for the men’s under-21s?

"It's been really good, especially with our last block of games before the international break. We've been having really good consistency in our performances and showed character.”

You’ve had games playing in midfield and at right-back. How have you found changing position regularly?

“It's so important to have versatility in your game. If you look at [Jack] Hinshelwood – who came through the academy as a midfielder – when he broke into the first team squad he was playing at right-back, although he's playing centre midfield a bit now.

“I used to play at right-back at MK Dons until I was 15 before I came here and shifted to midfield. So I've had a little bit of experience.

“At the start of the season I found myself on the bench sometimes and not starting as many games, whereas in the last block of games I’ve started playing more and in different positions which I am happy with. Being versatile can keep you in the squad.”

Zane Albarus has made seven Premier League 2 appearances so far this campaign. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Was that versatility something head coach Shannon Ruth spoke to you about at the start of the season, or is it something he wants from everyone?

“He talks about versatility all the time, people have to be able to play multiple positions.

“Wingers sometimes have to fill in at wing-back when we change our formation. A lot of our midfielders can play six, eight or ten in the team – all along the spine.”

The under-21s have demonstrated their ability to win in different ways during this impressive start to the season, especially when you compare the 10-0 win over Crystal Palace and the 3-2 victory over Aldershot Town when we went down to ten men early on…

“They are completely polar opposites. Against Palace to beat a team by that much showed how ruthless we can be.

Zane has progressed through the academy, making 41 appearances for the under-18s before making the step up to the under-21s in the summer. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“Then with ten men against Aldershot Town we had to show character. Just in general, the environment we have as a team is really strong. It’s about making each other better, that’s how we will be successful individually and as a team.

“You also know that if you're in the starting 11 the person behind you is working to take your place and if you're not in the squad you're chasing for that person's spot. So there’s that competitiveness too.”

Who in the first team have you watched this season that’s impressed you?

“Carlos Baleba. I really like how he plays. His passing is very penetrative, but he can also get across the pitch, get tackles in and then progress with the ball as well.

The midfielder has demonstrated his versatility by playing at right-back at times this season. 📷 by James Boardman.

“We had a little clatter in a training session last season – I felt the full force from that! I turned passed someone, took a bit of a heavier touch and then he was coming towards me and I'm still going towards the ball – I wasn't going to back down. Fortunately I came out ok!”

Finally, what are your aims for the rest of the season?

“I want to consolidate my place in the under-21s group. Especially with the way that the start of the season went – I am now getting into the team more. I need to find consistency in my game and make sure I am one of the first names on the teamsheet."

Albion are currently third in Group G but victory over winless Reading would move them above Luton into second place with two games to go. The top two go into the knockout round.