One to Watch - Peter Odemwingie

Name: Peter Odemwingie

Date of Birth: 15/7/1981

Nationality: Nigeria

Former Clubs: Bendel Insurance, La Louviere, Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow

League Appearances (Goals): 300 (96)

International Appearances (Goals): 54 (9)

Stat of the Day Peter Odemwingie is only the second player to have scored 10+ goals in a Premier League season for WBA after Rob Earnshaw

With a bucketload of goals and name full of vowels, Peter Odemwingie was West Brom`s saviour last season, guiding them incisively to safety. Add to that the fact that he was signed at a cut price £2.5 million and it`s easy to see why the striker was revered as one of the players of the season last campaign. This season has failed to live up to expectations, however, as injuries, an alleged falling out with Roy Hodgson and a frustrating dip in form has seen Odemwingie mirror his side`s performances; largely inconsistent. Rumours are circulating the Nigerian will be sold in the summer, but whilst he is turning out for West Brom he still poses a considerable threat to any waiting opposition. Odemwingie came on as a substitute against QPR at Loftus Road earlier this season, and his pace, creativity and flair was the main reason The Baggies managed to steal a point. His altruistic work rate has endeared him to the West Brom fans and his ability to pop up with important goals has seen him secure his sides Premier League status yet again, as well as become a firm Hawthorns favourite.

Playing Career

Odemwingie started his career at the CSKA Moscow Academy before breaking through at senior level for Nigerian hometown club Bendel Insurance. He scored 19 goals in 53 league appearances from 2000 to 2002. He signed for Belgian club La Louviere in 2002 and made his mark by helping his side to the Belgian Cup in his first season. Scoring nine goals in 44 appearances attracted the attention of French side Lille and before long he was a first team regular for the Ligue 1 team. His impressive goalscoring run continued as several top European clubs soon started to monitor the Nigerian`s progress. Finishing up with 23 goals in 75 appearances for Lille, Lokomotiv Moscow signed Odemwingie for a reported $14 million in 2007.

In his three seasons for Lokomotiv, Odemwingie became the driving force of their attack and managed 21 goals in the Russian Premier League from 75 games. The striker joined West Brom in August 2010, only a day before the opening game of the 2010/2011 season against Sunderland. He fitted in just one training session and made a dream debut by scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over the Black Cats. Odemwingie had an impressive first season in English football which saw him finish as the Barclays Premier League`s fifth highest scorer with 15 goals, helping his side to avoid relegation.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.