Nacer Chadli is as talented as anyone in Belgium's team, says West Brom's Graeme Jones

Chadli, who is yet to feature for the Baggies this season, played under Jones and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez at the World Cup in the summer.

And Darren Moore’s No.2 believes the club’s record signing stacks up alongside the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Dries Mertens in terms of spatial awareness while in possession.

Jones admits that Chadli is not as effective off the ball but he hopes the Baggies are building a possession-based identity this season that will convince him to stay.

“Nacer can play any position, he's that good,” said Jones. “With Belgium he played left wing-back, right back, right wing-back, he can play No.10, he can play out wide.

“Nacer gives you great flexibility. Of all those players I worked with the national team, he's as impressive as anyone with his use of space, timing and understanding.

“He’s as talented as anybody and very respected within the national team I can assure you.

“Dries Mertens has great spatial awareness, but Nacer is right up there with any player in the national team. But you need the ball. If you haven't got the ball he won't be effective.”

Chadli is yet to feature for the Baggies this season after picking up a hamstring injury in the third-place play-off with England at the World Cup.

He returned to Belgium this week for a routine appointment with a back specialist.

There is still uncertainty clouding his future at the club with the European transfer window open until the end of the month and Jones admitted that he didn’t know yet if Chadli was keen to stay, but he hopes he does.

“I’d love nothing more than for Nacer Chadli to stay here,” added Jones. “I’m hoping the style of play we’re growing into would help him to want to stay.

“I can’t make Nacer’s mind up for him. That’s down to Nacer. We’ll have to see what evidence is there in the next few weeks and take it from there.

“He’s had a break from the World Cup and I’ve not got into him and found out where his brain is.

“At the moment it’s just getting over the injury. He damaged his hamstring four or five weeks ago so he's only just getting back into full fitness now.”

However, the former Belgium assistant doesn’t believe motivation is an issue for the versatile midfielder.

“What people don’t know with Nacer is that we woke up the morning of the France game, the semi-final and he was ill - and I mean ill.

“Coughing over everybody, hadn’t slept, couldn’t eat, couldn’t drink.

“It was the semi-final of the World Cup and he had to play right-back, because we’d lost (Thomas) Meunier to suspension and changed our shape.

“If you’re talking about character, that character goes back to bed, gets up at 5pm for the pre-match meal.

“I said to him ‘how are you?’, and he said ‘fine'. No excuses, he said he was fine and able to play.

“He went out and gave an incredible level for someone who hadn’t played at right-back before. He’s a top character, a top talent. I’m telling you – don’t underestimate Nacer!

“I need to find out this week where he is, mentally and physically. I’ll be able to see in training and we’ll take it from there.”