Attack hasn’t been a very strong forte for West Bromwich Albion since Tony Pulis took charge of the club. The 59-year-old has been keen on strengthening the side’s back line with the midfield always getting the second priority. Although the club has brought in Jake Livermore from Hull City last winter, he is more essentially a box to box midfielder whose creative attributes are not his strong point.
Nacer Chadli is the only natural playmaker that the club has at the moment and in games against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, one would always want a quality attacking third up front where all the difference is made. Sitting 8th in the top half, Albion has managed to score only 36 goals this season so far, which is lesser than 14th placed Bournemouth and level with 16th placed Swansea City which hereby perfectly sums up their attacking bluntness.
While Pulis has done a remarkable job with mostly average players in the squad and winning matches with very slim margins, it won’t be enough if they are willing to step up in their ambitions. Albion has been close to a Europa qualification spot this season but competing with Everton would need an extra edge that is missing in their attack. After Salomon Rondon, who is the only forward in the squad, centre-back McAuley has been their second highest scorer for the club with Chadli following him.
However, the manager seems to have recognised it as the club is reportedly planning a move for Udinese’s young midfielder Jakub Jankto. The report claims that the club had already sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old and they have come with positive reports.
Although only 21, Jankto has started attracting suitors from across Europe with Premier League side, Stoke City already keeping tabs on his development. His age and inexperience haven’t been a hindrance in regular football for the Serie A side and he has already played 20 games this season.
After joining from Salvia Prague back in 2014, the Czech international had spent a loan spell with Ascoli for a full season coming back stronger. A central midfielder, who can also play in the left midfield, Jankto has scored three times and provided four assists. His vision and intelligence in reading the game has impressed many with Tutto Mercato Web also reporting that London giants Arsenal are interested in him and have made inquiries.
At 184cm, Jankto could be a perfect player in Albion’s midfield who will bring with him the creative spark, which goes missing for them in big games.
