West Bromwich Albion are a club on the rise as Tony Pulis, their current manager helped them to their best ever finish in the points table in the top flight last season. The natural transition will be to fight for a place in Europe and Pulis is determined to add some of the finest stars to the club this summer for the challenges that lie ahead.
They have added a couple of exciting players already to their squad but Pulis is desperately looking for a defender who can help them improve their backline for this season. This has seen him linked with a number of defenders recently and one such player he is now looking at is Joel Ward.
A product of the Portsmouth Academy, the 27-year old English man made a name for himself in his four years in the first team in the senior side at the club and was then picked up by top flight club Crystal Palace back in 2012. He took time to cement his place in the first team but for more than a year now, he has been the first choice fullback for the London outfit.
Known for his tall frame and domination in the air, Ward is a smart customer who loves to stay a step ahead of the opponents. He is disciplined and does not give away too many fouls while his ability to create chances at the other end on a consistent basis makes him an attractive option.
Though he has not represented his country, Ward has 144 Premier League appearances and 111 Championship appearances, making him one of the most experienced and settled full-backs in the country.
Tony Pulis, who signed a new deal recently openly spoke about his interest in Ward in a recent interview. He is also looking at Ben Gibson and Gareth Barry as other options but Ward could be the most important signing of all, give his role in the squad.
Craig Dawson was the first choice right back for West Brom in the previous season and he did a decent job, making some crucial appearances for the side in what was a productive season for the Baggies. However, the versatile Allan Nyom was the only player Dawson could be replaced with and Ward will be a genuine upgrade in this role.
Also 27, English star Dawson is still expected to be the first choice next season but Ward will surely push him for a place in the first team, that will improve the competition and quality of the side as a whole this summer. But is Ward the right man for this role?
