West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth McAuley is quickly approaching a big landmark in what has been a stand out season so far for the defender.
In terms of impressive defensive seasons it does not get much better than Gareth McAuley, with the veteran scoring four goals and putting in a string of top performances for the Baggies this season. With so many plaudits coming in for the Northern Irishman, it is easy to forget that he is hitting quite a few milestones along the way in this Premier League journey.
In the game against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, McAuley completed his 200th appearance for the Baggies with just one of those coming off the bench.
However, one of the even bigger stories is that he’s now resting on 495 senior games in English football as he draws ever closer to that big 500 mark.
The 37-year-old is one of many West Brom players who have thrived under Tony Pulis this season, with the defence in particular being singled out for their success.
Despite the odd glitch here and there, this has been one of McAuley’s better seasons and it actually echoes the work of Jody Craddock who also turned into something of a goal-scorer towards the back end of his Wolves career.
But it is the player’s quality in ariel duels, dribbles from the back and composure when not rushing into tackles that makes him stand out above the rest.
There have been a number of occasions where the Baggies have been under pressure this season and McAuley has got them out of trouble, and it looks set to continue heading into the second half of the campaign.
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