Proper winger signing may revitalise struggling assault

West Brom are 15 video games into the 2025/26 marketing campaign, and there’s definitely room for enchancment underneath Ryan Mason.

West Brom began the marketing campaign effectively, however a drop in kind has seen them slip far down the Championship desk. They sit in 14th, recording 21 factors from 15 video games thus far.

Nothing is a given at such an early stage within the marketing campaign. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a hiding that WBA have enhancements to make.

WBA - West Brom manager Ryan Mason during the match
Picture courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.

The win over Oxford United earlier than the break served as a beneficial confidence increase, with Aune Heggebo’s tremendous header proving the distinction. A difficult recreation awaits on their return with a visit to leaders Coventry Metropolis awaiting.

The principle points West Brom have can’t be addressed till January. One such drawback is how slender the Baggies have grow to be, particularly on the right-hand facet.

What West Brom are lacking on the right-wing

West Brom’s squad is a small one; there aren’t many positions the place they will say they’re actually stacked. Maybe probably the most naked space of Mason’s ranks is out on the wings.

Mikey Johnston has two objectives and 4 assists from his most well-liked left-flank, reminding followers of why he was signed completely. On the correct although, Mason has struggled for an answer.

WBA - West Brom players celebrate Jed Wallace's goal
Picture courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.

Of the choices there, Jed Wallace is the one right-footer who can keep out vast, however he has struggled to hit the excessive ranges he has beforehand set. Karlan Grant was deployed on the correct towards Oxford United, however as a former striker, his instincts are to try to break into the field. Samuel Iling-Junior has been used on the correct earlier than, however he’s at his finest on the left.

Not solely are WBA slender increased up the pitch, however in Alfie Gilchrist, they don’t have a right-back who marauds on the skin to supply a crossing risk and – every now and then – enable their wingers the chance to maneuver into central positions.

Such slender attacking play has made the Baggies predictable, and straightforward to maintain at bay. It usually results in the ball being recycled and recycled with out something actually coming of it.

The correct-hand facet should be West Brom’s January precedence

As mentioned earlier than, with such a small squad, West Brom could effectively look so as to add depth throughout the board.

West Brom’s squad measurement vs Championship rivals

Squad measurement rating Squad measurement Common Champ. squad measurement
twenty fourth 22 27.75

On the prime of the listing must be two new choices on the correct although – one naturally right-footed winger, and a forward-thinking full-back. These don’t essentially should be large cash signings who’re assured starters, however it will give Mason the choice to modify issues up, change method and importantly take advantage of out of strikers like Heggebo and Daryl Dike who might be aerial forces.

This is able to additionally give star man Isaac Value extra room within the center. Having simply Johnston seeking to minimize inside from the wing fairly than each vast gamers will give the goalscoring midfielder extra space to work in and alternatives to crash into the field.

It isn’t essentially the crux of West Brom’s points – enhancements are wanted elsewhere. Nevertheless, it may go a protracted solution to making Mason’s facet a extra threatening one.


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