Why these two loan deals could fire West Bromwich Albion to the Premier League
West Brom’s objective should be to secure promotion straight back to the Premier League. The Baggies have adjusted to life in the Championship since the home defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the season-opener.
They are off the mark but there are certain areas that need to be reinforced further in order to get back to the top-flight at the end of the season.
Now, the loan window runs for the rest of August. There’s slightly over a week left before the summer market shuts down. However, judging from their performances, manager Darren Moore needs to strengthen a few key positions further. Here, we look at two loan deals that could massively improve West Brom.
1. Joel Ward (Centre-Back, Right-Back)
The Crystal Palace defender, 28, mainly plays as a right-back but can also feature at centre-back and in the midfield. Given the rate at which West Brom’s defence is leaking goals, the experienced Ward could add quality and depth at the back.
Craig Dawson’s reintegration could take some time, meaning Ward could compete with the likes of Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazi for the centre-back spot. As far as his preferred position is concerned, he could start straight away at right-back. Any promotion-winning side is built on a solid defence and Ward could be the missing jigsaw in Moore’s side.
2. Marcus Maddison (Central Attacking Midfield)
Marcus Maddison currently plays for Peterborough United. He can feature as an attacking midfielder, a winger and a left-back as well. The 24-year-old has immense creative abilities and is adept at supplying some impressive balls into dangerous areas.
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Last season, an ageing Gareth Barry and Grzegorz Krychowiak played in the centre of the park for the Baggies. However, Claudio Yacob has left while Chris Brunt and Jake Livermore have struggled to control the midfield. Hence, Maddison could easily fire West Brom back into the Premier League.
