Without a doubt, Tony Pulis has done the best business this summer. The Welshman has always painted a picture of being a cheaper version of Arsene Wenger, someone who excelled in getting players who were cheap or rejected by their clubs and get the most out of them.
Playing mostly defensive football, allowing very little space for opponents to operate and slowing down the pace of the game at every opportunity had been his main tactics last season against top sides. In fact, West Bromwich Albion’s defence and set-piece execution was so perfect that they managed to beat Arsenal 3-1 at home last term letting them dominate most of the possession.
Pulis’ last brilliant season with an average squad, where they managed to finish in the top half of the table, has reaped fruits now. Despite starting the summer with the calamitous news of former skipper Darren Fletcher leaving for Stoke City, the Baggies have bought in six players, who are capable of having an immediate impact.
They have won two and drew one of the opening three games and the arrival of Kieran Gibbs, Oliver Burke and Grzegorz Krychowiak in the closing days is only expected to get the better.
Defence
In Ben Foster, Pulis has exactly the kind of shot-stopper he would want the bar. The English custodian is comfortable with his back line continuously defending with hardly breathing time for him and he can collect the ball from corners and set-pieces week in week out.
The flanks are expected to see one new face in Kieran Gibbs. 32-year-old Chris Brunt has been taking the left defensive flank so far and now with the coming of Gibbs, the only natural left back at Hawthorns now, Pulis is likely to play him opposite to Alan Nyom. The former Arsenal player has chunks of experience at the highest level and will bring pace and finishing to the side.
The centre halves remain the same- the reliable duo of Craig Dawson and Ahmed Hegazy.
Midfield
Midfield has been the most important part of Pulis’ plan. The deep midfielder position has played a cushion to his defence that is mean to absorb more pressure. However, the arrival of Krychowiak could change things. Alongside the experience Gareth Barry, the Polish international could really pull strings from the deep end.
With James Morrison in the number 10 position, we expect Pulis to have more edge offensively.
Attack
The arrival of Oliver Burke from Red Bull Leipzig brings so much thrill to that right flank, and alongside compatriot Matt Phillips, could give tremendous pace and composure to the West Brom. The centre forward should be the new arrival, Jay Rodriguez.
