West Bromwich Albion are enjoying an excellent season in the Championship this time around. From the get-go, the Baggies have been soaring and are currently perched firmly atop the table with 33 points in 16 games so far.
With Preston North End and Leeds United hot on their trails and separated by only 2 points, the early pacesetters will have their work cut out as far as safeguarding their spot is concerned. But based on what we have seen till now, Slaven Bilic’s men seem to be showing no signs of slowing down.
Last season, West Brom narrowly missed out on securing promotion despite finishing in the 4th spot. Although they showed early signs of promise the last term as well, the Baggies fell short towards the end.
To ensure that doesn’t happen this season as well, Bilic must be proactive in the upcoming January window. While there are certain areas that could require reinforcements, here are 3 players who have set the stage on fire for the club so far.
Pereira has been creating chances, scoring goals and doing a little bit for everything from out wide. His style makes everything he does seem so effortless and the results are there for the world to see.
Although he is on loan from Sporting CP, Pereira has taken to life in the Hawthorns like a duck to water. From his preferred right-wing spot, the 23-year-old has chipped in with 3 goals and 6 assists so far but these numbers don’t do justice to the kind of creative impact he brings to the attack.
Another player on loan, Diangana has worked wonders in a Baggies’ shirt. An attacking midfielder by trade, the West Ham star has contributed with 4 goals and 4 assists in 14 games so far. Earlier in November, he particularly shone during a game against Stoke City in the Championship.
His creativity and willingness to work tirelessly for his teammates were on full display as he provided the supply lines for both of West Brom’s goals. Alongside Jake Livermore, it is evident that Diangana is flourishing and how.
To say that Sawyers has been an influential figure for the Baggies would be an understatement. In truth, the 28-year-old midfielder has been at the core of all things good for West Brom this season.
The fact that he has registered one goal and one assist so far hardly shows any signs of his dominance in the middle of the park. But with 5 yellow cards to his name already, it is evident that he is adept at doing the dirty work in the midfield.
He can receive the ball well and shield it before passing to an attacker, thus playing an effective link between the defence and the attack. If he continues his good work for the Baggies, West Brom may just find themselves in the Premier League next season.