Albion won 2-1 at the Amex on Wednesday night (December 6) after academy stars Hinshelwood and Gross canceled out Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty.
Despite being midfielders, both Gross, 32, and Hinshelwood, 18, played as full-backs against Thomas Frank’s men, but head coach De Zerbi believes both are extremely versatile.
After predicting that the teenager could be ‘the next Gross’ before the game, the Italian went even further afterward.
“He [Hinshelwood] played another great game,” De Zerbi said.
“He plays like a veteran. Jack is Pascal Gross’s son, but he has personality, can play in any position, and is intelligent.
“He works in the manner of Pascal Gross.” He began as a full-back, but later moved between the lines.
“His best position is probably midfield, but he can also play full-back.” Players must be prepared to play in a variety of positions and understand the demands of each.”
Hinshelwood, who made his first-team debut last season, can also play in deeper midfield and at center-back. The youngster is currently passing every test thrown at him with flying colors.
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