Sabri Lamouchi referred to one of his key players at Nottingham Forest as he hailed match-winner Romaine Sawyers following Cardiff City’s win over Reading on Friday night.
Midfielder Sawyers scored the only goal in added time as the former Reds boss led his new club to a crucial victory in their fight against relegation from the Championship.
After the game, Lamouchi hailed the midfield anchorman, who has started each of the Frenchman’s five matches in charge of the Bluebirds so far. Lamouchi lavished praise on Sawyers after the game, comparing him to England international Kalvin Phillips and one of his key players from his time at Forest, Ben Watson.
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"He [Sawyers] is a top player," said Lamouchi, reported WalesOnline. "I told him from day one. I remember him from my previous club. He was the best in this position with [Kalvin] Phillips and maybe Ben Watson, my captain, in the Championship. I told him: 'I need you on the pitch. I know your quality'."
Sawyers, who won promotion with West Bromwich Albion, had a slightly different recollection of the conversation, joking: "He lied to me! He told me about Phillips, he didn't say about Watson!”
He added: "It's a good compliment. Obviously [West Brom] went up, so it's easier for him to pick me. He has got trust in me and that's a massive thing for me as a player.
"When he first came in, he had one to one meetings with everyone and mine was quite positive. He sang a lot of praises, which is good for any player, including me.
"I had a stop-start season, but just to have him have belief and trust in me is massive and I've got to repay it to the boys and him in my performances."
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