James Morrison: Salomon Rondon has got dressing room respect
Salomon Rondon has got the full respect of the Albion dressing room, according to impressed team-mate James Morrison.
The 27-year-old is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment, having scored five goals in his last seven Premier League starts.
It's a run that spans over two seasons, but Rondon also had a fruitful summer for Venezuela, when he scored four goals in six matches for his country, including two in the Copa America.
Morrison though, has been impressed by more than just his goals. He says it's the striker's tireless work off the ball that endears him to the rest of the Baggies camp.
The £12million signing has led the line as a lone striker for the majority of his Albion career, but he looks much more accomplished at it in his second season.
"Five goals in seven is a great return," said Morrison. "It's not just his goals though, it's what he brings to the team, he's up there on his own sometimes and it is hard for him.
"He puts an absolute shift in and he's got the full respect of the dressing room."
The former Zenit St Petersburg striker finished top scorer last season with 10 goals, which was three more than Saido Berahino.
The 23-year-old hasn't featured in either of the last two games and summer signing Hal Robson-Kanu has been limited to substitute appearances so far.
Rondon however, already has three goals this season, as he continues to cement his place as Albion's talismanic striker.
"He's our main man," confirmed Morrison. "Last season he came in and it's hard to come from a different country and adapt to a new style.
"Now he's got a pre-season under his belt he looks a different man, he's definitely one for the season."
The South American was isolated up front far too often last season, especially after Morrison ruptured his hamstring in January.
Signing Nacer Chadli has already helped link him to the rest of the team, and it's a gap head coach Tony Pulis is trying to close.
"That's what we're working on," said Morrison. "It's hard to get, we're fighting hard off the ball but it's that transition when we win the ball, getting close to him."
