Express & Star

Jonathan Leko looks to have central role for West Brom

Jonathan Leko hopes to return to Albion a well-rounded centre forward as he continues to shine at Charlton.

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Jonathan Leko (AMA)

The 20-year-old joined Lee Bowyer’s side on a season-long loan in August and has gone on to impress in six Championship outings.

Despite having been utilised on the wing by Albion, Leko has been deployed as a striker at The Valley where he has formed an exciting partnership with Lyle Taylor.

And the England youth international now sees himself playing in that position long-term.

“It’s a new role but I’m enjoying it,” Leko said.

“And I’m just trying to learn from all the strikers around me.

“It suits me and I think I can do well there.

“I’m working on my hold up play, runs in behind and coming short and mixing up my game.

“And also getting on the end of crosses as well, I’ve got to work on that.

“It’s a pleasure playing up front with Lyle Taylor. He has come through non-league so there is so much I can learn from him.

“As a person, he is always talking to me. He is teaching me things all the time, it’s great playing alongside him.”

Earlier this month, head coach Slaven Bilic said he wants Leko challenging for a first-team place at Albion when he returns from his loan.

But the forward felt it was important for his development that he went out on loan this year.

“He (Bilic) has been very positive with me,” said Leko who has previously had a loan spell at Bristol City.

“I knew he was going to bring in a couple of players but I told him I wanted to play.

“We had a chat and he understood.

“The more you play, the more you learn. I’m improving as a player at Charlton because I am playing.”

Currently living in London, Leko spends his spare time watching films and playing other sports.

“I watch a lot of movies,” he added.

“I watched the film recently with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born.

“That was emotional, very emotional.

“I play Fifa as well but I prefer going out, I don’t like staying in.

“I like to go out and play golf or table tennis, or basketball when I can.

“I enjoying playing all different types of sports.”