Tony Pulis will now genuinely believe that his West Brom side can compete for a place in Europe next season. But he will know that he needs some quality additions in the summer to get them there. And one player that is now extensively linked with a move to the Hawthorns this summer is Watford skipper Troy Deeney. The long-serving player for the Hornets was a transfer target for the Baggies at the start of the season but Pulis is now set to make a club record £20m bid for him this summer. So what will Deeney add to the Baggies?
The Birmingham-born striker has been in decent form for Walter Mazzarri’s side this season but he is looking for new challenges next season and there are very few sides in the competition that suit him better than West Brom. Known for his strength in the air, Deeney is one of the better headers of the ball in the Premier League and is devastating in front of goal.
He is an excellent finisher who knows his way to goal, even when under severe pressure, and having made close to 300 appearances for Watford in his career, he is an experienced player who can walk into the first team at the Hawthorns.
Currently, Pulis has used the likes of Solomon Rondon and Hal-Robson Kanu extensively in the striker’s role but neither player has been able to cement a place in the first team. Rondon, who was superb in the previous season, has seven goals and two assists this season and centre-back Gareth McAuley is West Brom’s next top goal scorer with six goals to his name. Pulis definitely needs a stronger squad next season if he wants to steal a place in the top-6 and Deeney could be one who can get them there.
Like they showed in the 0-0 draw against Manchester United, West Brom like to sit back and defend deep and they need a player who can take advantage of the half chances that fall their way during a game. Robson-Kanu failed to do so while Rondon has not been consistent. This is where the Watford man could be a huge factor for West Brom. Though not quick, Deeney is agile over the turf and can initiate counter attacks while his aerial ability will make him the out ball for the defenders when under pressure.
Deeney will definitely thrive in a system that plays to his strengths and there is little doubt that he will be a success at the Hawthorns. His finishing ability will surely help West Brom improve their figures in front of goal, and that might help them qualify for Europe after a long time. Do you think Deeney is an option for the Baggies this summer?
