Nathaniel Chalobah says he’s happy to have been included in the last two starting line-ups but believes he still has so much more to offer.
The midfielder was named in the XI for recent clashes with Plymouth Argyle and QPR at The Hawthorns, earning a standing ovation from the crowd as he was substituted off towards the end in the latter.
Chalobah, who joined the club in January this year, hadn’t been named in the side for a league clash since the opening day at Blackburn Rovers prior to last week’s encounter with Argyle.
The 28-year-old admitted it was encouraging to receive a positive reception from Baggies supporters and spoke of his determination to showcase his capabilities on a much more regular basis.
He said: “It was nice to play such a big part in both games against Plymouth and QPR recently.
“In life you have to fight for everything and it’s no different on the pitch.
“There are four central midfielders here and we’re all competing against each other for those starting spots. We compete well for each other and for the team.
“I feel like it’s important that we maintain that competitive level so we get the best out of each other throughout the season. We have that mutual respect between us all.
“If one of us is playing, the other takes it on the chin and figures out ways to keep pushing.
“It’s all for the benefit of the team and that’s the most important thing.
“I’m probably my own biggest critic. I’d like to hit certain levels and I can’t exactly say I’m at those levels right now.
“That’s going to take some time with more games and more match sharpness and fitness.
“My performances could be a little bit better in that sense, but it was really nice to see the fans appreciate the performance I put in against QPR and from the team in general.
“The most important thing for me is knowing the team put in a good performance and got a good result. We deserved it.
“I was pleased to get an assist that night too, but for me, it’s not about what I can do that stands out. It’s about winning games and that’s how I’ve always been, whichever club I have been at.
“I’d say I’m unselfish in that sense. I’d always put the team playing well ahead of my own displays.
“I’d like to be in the kind of positions I was on Tuesday, the type of position I was in to set Grady up for his goal.
“However, it depends on what the gaffer is asking of me. If he’s asking me to be a little bit higher and make runs in behind then I’m happy to do that.
“Likewise, I’m happy to sit a little deeper and be the one who is protecting the back line. It’s all about adapting and figuring out where I need to be and what the manager wants in different situations.
