West Bromwich Albion are currently 8th in the table and enjoying another good season under Tony Pulis.
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis
Despite often being criticised for his style of football, Tony Pulis has done an excellent job with West Bromwich Albion this season. Guiding them to 8th in the league, the Baggies have done tremendously to be competing with the Premier League’s big spenders this season, despite not widely recruiting over the summer or in January.
Though at times he has been labelled boring, Pulis’ style demands a constant and intense work rate from his squad, and the players Pulis has brought in fit his system perfectly. Hard to beat and hard to defend against, West Bromwich Albion are now one of the hardest teams to come up against in the league.
But who have been the stand out performers for West Bromwich Albion this season? HITC Sport have compiled a top five, but did we get it right? Here’s a look at our picks for the Baggies best players of the season so far…
1. Gareth McAuley
West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth McAuley
Scoring 5 goals in 25 appearances for the Baggies this season, Gareth McAuley has yet again proved just how important his is to this West Brom side. Strong, powerful and a real threat from corners, McAuley isn’t showing any signs of slowing down despite being 37 years of age.
2. Jonny Evans
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans
Gareth McAuley’s defensive partner, Jonny Evans has been excellent for Tony Pulis this season. The former Manchester United defender arguably had something to prove after leaving Old Trafford, and has shown during his time at the Hawthorns what a superb defender he is. Perhaps Manchester United were a little too hasty in letting the Northern Irishman leave?
3. Nacer Chadli
West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli celebrates
Joining the Baggies from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, Nacer Chadli has impressed West Bromwich Albion fans so far. The attacking midfielder, who can play on both the left or right of midfield, as well as in behind the striker, has scored 5 goals in 20 appearances for Tony Pulis’ side and demonstrated a technical quality that was absent at the Baggies before his arrival.
4. Ben Foster
West Bromwich Albion’s Ben Foster
Perhaps it should be no surprise to see three defensive players on this list, but then again this is a Tony Pulis side. Ben Foster has yet again been a rock at the back for the Baggies this season, and has done more than enough to earn himself a call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. With Joe Hart now playing in Italy, and Southampton’s Fraser Forster somewhat inconsistent this season, could Ben Foster soon be England’s outright number 1?
5. Salomon Rondon
West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon
Despite not having one of the most prolific of seasons so far, scoring just seven goals for the Baggies in 26 appearances, Salomon Rondon’s role in this West Bromwich Albion side is vital. The big outlet up top; it’s not often that a West Bromwich Albion attacking move doesn’t involve the Venezuelan striker in some way, whether it be with his movement, strength or aerial ability.
Do you agree with our list? Is there anyone we’ve missed out? Let us know in the comments!
West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon celebrates scoring
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