West Bromwich Albion striker Daryl Dike is preparing to return from a serious injury and despite a prolonged period on the sideline, he seems raring to go during pre-season.
Dike has had a rocky start to life at the Baggies. He signed with the English club in January 2022 following a successful stint with Barnsley.
He was picked up from the MLS after netting 18 times in 35 appearances.
Dike translated those performances into the Championship scoring nine times in 19 games for Barnsley.
But, unfortunately for him, a run of injuries would end his season after just two Baggies appearances.
Despite this, he seems eager to hit the ground running this time, speaking to the club he said:
“I think not playing football for a very long time is something that has fuelled my hunger, fuelled my desire.
“To sit on the sidelines and watch every single game, itching to play, knowing that I’m so close to be able to play is one thing, and of course you always want to help them, help the squad.
“Being able to train and do what I’ve been sitting there waiting to do for months is a great feeling.”
It is not uncommon for footballers to suffer when spending a lot of time on the sidelines. But for the 22-year-old American it seems he’s only letting this push him onto better things.
Can he be the difference?
Steve Bruce guided West Brom to a 10th place finish last season. They sat eight points outside the coveted top-six spots.
Bruce is now preparing for his first full campaign in charge. It’ll be interesting to see how he deploys Dike in his system this season.
The young striker has huge potential and everyone knows he can score goals.
But, keeping fit and building momentum will be the two most important things for him this season, albeit also the hardest.
Baggies supporters have ambitions of top-flight football and they need to kick on this time round or Bruce may not be given too much time.
The 2022/23 campaign is less than a month away and West Brom fans will be hoping their club has done enough to make a statement this year.
