It was another average season from West Bromwich Albion last time around, pretty much what you expect from a Tony Pulis’ team. They used to sit deep and defend their hearts out. If they could salvage anything on the counter or from set-plays, well and good, or else they were happy with a draw. The Baggies scored the second least goals in the division (just 34) and settled for as many as 13 draws. Unattractive, defence oriented and physical was their game but what else do you expect from a side managed by Pulis!
With each and every Premier League side aiming for bigger and better things, Pulis’ stubborn attitude won’t be entertained at the Hawthorns for long. He has some talented players he can use of and we will be looking at three West Brom players to watch out for this season.
Jonathan Leko
The 17-year-old youngster made his first-team breakthrough last campaign making six first-team appearances for the Baggies. The fleet-footed attacker managed to give the West Brom attack a whole new dimension with his pace and direct game and he also got the reward for his good work with one assist from six games. The English under-17 international is a versatile attacker and can play either as the focal point of the attack or on either flank. The youngster will definitely get more chances next season and we have to wait and see if he can deliver.
Matt Phillips
The 25-year-old winger made his move to the Baggies on a £5.5m deal from Queens Park Rangers. The Scottish international has blistering pace in his locker and is a menace from the right flank with his deliveries. West Brom are a team whose game is based on old-school long balls and Phillips is a perfect fit for them. The 25-year-old is quite proven in the Premier League as well with 11 assists and 5 goals from just 52 games in the top division.
Jose Salomon Rondon
The 26-year-old was signed for a club record transfer fee last summer from Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg and bigger things were expected of him compared to what he delivered last season. The Venezuela international could manage just 10 goals in his maiden season for the Baggies from 40 games. Rondon is capable of much beyond that and would be keen to reach his heights this campaign. The 53-time capped Venezuela star will definitely be a player to watch out for next season.