Valentino Lazaro has got his first Newcastle United goal.
While it was far from a vintage strike, it ended up deciding the tie.
Lazaro bundled in Newcastle’s third early in the second half after Allan Saint-Maximin’s cross was poorly dealt with by the West Brom goalkeeper.
The January signing was back in the starting XI after suspension, having missed the boring 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday.
And it was Lazaro’s first chance to impress Steve Bruce in his actual position.
Before the FA Cup tie, he’d been operating as a right wing-back, where his defensively limitations were severely exposed.
But against West Brom he looked a lot more comfortable.
While he was quiet at times, Lazaro showed quality on the ball when needed. He helped create Newcastle’s second, picking out Joelinton in the box before Almiron found the net.
Lazaro oozes class on the ball, always looking composed in possession. And most of the time he finds a black and white shirt.
The 23-year-old has put himself in contention to start on Saturday against Southampton. But please Bruce, keep him on the right wing.
Lazaro impresses further up the pitch
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