Calm and calculated: West Brom's Romaine Sawyers in the words of his friends
Romaine Sawyers has already won plenty of plaudits since his return to The Hawthorns.
With a pass completion rate of 92 per cent, the midfielder is a major reason why Albion have looked so comfortable on the ball in their six Championship outings so far.
But while the 27-year-old has impressed with his vision and passing range, it’s not just on the pitch where he is making a big contribution.
A football fanatic who adores the game, Sawyers is also a leader with an excellent footballing brain according to those who have played with him.
During his time at Walsall, he was captained by Adam Chambers.
Both men began their footballing journeys at Dartmouth High School – now called the Q3 Academy in Great Barr – before joining Albion’s youth set-up.
And Chambers says he was impressed with Sawyers from the moment he met him.
“Rom is a very calm and calculated person – he keeps his emotions in check, he doesn’t get too high or low,” the 38-year-old said. “Football-wise he thinks a lot about the game, that was one of the things that struck me about him straight away.
“He joined Walsall along with Paul Downing and Sam Mantom, who also came from Albion, and they had all been brought up in the same way.
“In meetings, you could tell they really did think in-depth about the game.
“When I was his captain, he was always one of the first players I would speak to at half-time to get his thoughts.
“He would always have ideas on how to hurt the opposition so I wanted to know what he thought about the game.
“He’s a very thoughtful man and Albion will only benefit from that.”
Chambers believes Sawyers is a player who should be in the Premier League.
“I’ll always remember when we played Chelsea in the cup and he was one of the best players on the pitch,” he continued. “He didn’t look out of place next to those international stars.
“For me, he has another step up – I think his talent belongs in the Premier League.
“I’ve watched him for both Albion and Brentford now – it’s his technical ability, his awareness and his thought process that make him stand out.
“He is one of those players that makes everyone around him play better.”
UEFA A Licence coach James O’Connor also played with Sawyers at Walsall and is now with Kidderminster Harriers.
And he believes Sawyers is destined to go into coaching when he hangs up his boots.
“The first thing you notice about Rom is that he’s laid-back, but I think that can make him misunderstood,” O’Connor said. “He is a very confident, self-assured guy and really humble.
“What always stood out for me was how mature he was.
“When you have played with someone like Rom, other players always ask you what he is like.
“And I always say the same thing, his intelligence on and off the field is second to none.
“I think he will be a brilliant coach or manager.
“He is a really, bright boy, a real student of the game and can converse with anyone.
“For me, he has always stood out.”
Banik Ostrava’s Milan Lalkovic roomed with Sawyers on away days and also lived with him for a spell in London while the 27-year-old was at Brentford.
At Walsall, the duo struck up a deadly partnership with Lalkovic on the wing and Sawyers in the number 10 role.
At Albion though, Sawyers is being utilised in central midfield.
And his friend believes that is the ideal role for him.
“Romaine is my footballing brother, we speak every week and all he wants to talk about his football, football, football,” Lalkovic said. “I’m so pleased to see him back at Albion and that they are playing him in central midfield.
“For me, that is where he has to play.
“Rom doesn’t miss a pass. He is so good at seeing things other players don’t and finding his team mates.
“And in that position, everything is in front him. He can link attack and defence.
“He has started really well and I know that will continue. He is going to be fantastic for Albion.
“And I really hope he can help his boyhood club get back to the Premier League.”
Lalkovic, who began his career with Chelsea, says Sawyers is the type of person who always goes the extra mile for his friends and team-mates.
“About 18 months ago I left Portsmouth where I’d had a succession of injures,” the 26-year-old continued. “Chelsea said I could train with them to get fit, but I’d just rented my house out.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do. But I spoke to Romaine and straight away he said come and live with me in London.
“I will always be grateful for that.
“I got fit and was just about to sign for Crawley. But 24 hours before I was due in, (Czech First Division side) Sigma Olomouc came in for me.
“I sat down with Rom, we discussed the pros and cons of each move and from that I made my decision to join Sigma.
“Rom is a great guy. He’s someone who is great to be around – I have so much respect for him.”
