After his return from nine months out, we access which position West Bromwich Albion should play Chris Brunt.
Left-back
When Tony Pulis arrived at West Bromwich Albion he moved Chris Brunt to full-back after Sebastien Pocognoli fell out-of-favour. Brunt filled the left-back role for the majority of the 2015/16 season and this extended to his international football with Northern Ireland.
This summer, Pulis brought in Allan Nyom and Brendan Galloway to add much needed depth to the full-back position. However, Nyom is naturally a right-back and Galloway’s inexperience could mean Pulis struggles to decide on a first choice left-back. The Welshman will keep in mind the solid job Brunt did in his makeshift position and won’t be afraid to slot him back in if needed.
Central midfield
Pulis has utilised Brunt in the centre of midfield on two occasions in the league – the 2-2 away against Burnley and 3-0 defeat to Southampton last season. Neither game will help Brunt’s cause for a central-midfield spot, and Pulis is unlikely to drop either Darren Fletcher or Claudio Yacob, who do an important job of shielding the back four.
Brunt has shown his defensive capabilities under Pulis and would suit the deeper role that Yacob and Fletcher play. He would also offer a range of passing that Albion’s current holding midfielders don’t possess. The Northern Ireland international could be a smart choice in home games where Albion need to be more expansive.
Wide midfield
On Saturday, Brunt replaced Matt Phillips on the right of midfield and looked assured on his return. The 31-year-old provides good defensive cover for the full-back behind him, as well as, his trademark exceptional deliveries in attacking positions.
If James McClean keeps up his run of form there is little chance of Brunt getting a start on the left. Brunt’s best hope might be to dislodge Phillips on the right; who has turned in a mixed bag of performances so far this season.
Regardless of where he plays, all Baggies fans will agree that it is great to see Brunt back in a West Brom shirt.
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