It’s been six months since Hal Robson-Kanu completed what many consider THE footballing moment of 2016. After Wales had unexpectedly leveled against a heavily favored Belgium side in the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 through Ashley Williams, Robson-Kanu dropped jaws around the planet by performing a Cruyff turn through two Belgium defenders and firing beyond Thibaut Courtois, lifting Wales into the semifinals.
Hal Robson-Kanu's 'Cruyff turn' goal against Belgium has been nominated for the Fifa Puskas Award https://t.co/iknHLfCw6m pic.twitter.com/dP04hCJJeY
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 21, 2016
“I’ve just Cruyffed them and stuck it in the net,” said the unassuming striker on his Puskas nominated piece of brilliance. Fast forward half a year later, and Robson-Kanu still hadn’t managed another competitive goal. In 13 matches for West Bromwich Albion, the 27-year-old Welsh hero had been held off the scoresheet. Until Saturday.
Apparently, Robson-Kanu only scores important beauties, because his strike against Southampton on Saturday gifted West Brom a 2-1 win and took them above their opponents in the Premier League table.
What. A. Goal. From Robson-Kanu #PLonNBC pic.twitter.com/i64CEsylNw
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 31, 2016
Tony Pulis will want to see his name on the scoresheet more often, but this is more than enough for us.