During Jimmy Shan’s reign, the overly cautious demeanour ended up plaguing West Bromwich Albion into surrendering their spot in the play-off final. Indeed, it’s probably fair to say the team never really showed up in either of their two legs against Aston Villa.
Their backline was somehow unstable despite a somewhat defensive style and there was a real issue in finding the perfect right-back. Obviously, Matt Philips was drafted in for some matches, while Mason Holgate did for others, far from ideal. So, now that the 22-year-old’s returned to parent club Everton, the Baggies find themselves without a proper right-back, exacerbating the situation further.
As a result, according to reports from the Daily Star, they have their eyes on signing Rangers’ James Tavernier.
Pretty much everyone knows by now that the 27-year-old right-back’s a wonder on the right side, with his marauding nature greatly benefitting Rangers. Impressively, Tavernier scored 11 goals and assisted 14 times (per Transfermarkt) in the Scottish Premiership, proving an unstoppable force in the Gers’ right-flank.
Yes, there’s an obvious step-up in quality between the SPFL and the Championship but look at the impact John McGinn has had at Villa since his move from Hibernian. It’s time for the snobbery against the Scottish league to end down south, to be honest.
The 27-year-old’s solid delivery from the right, including his impressive crossing ability, creativity and incisiveness to get among the goals could add another dimension to their attack. All over the park, it’s a dynamic addition to lift backsides off seats at the Hawthorns.
If he can replicate his heroics, West Brom would conveniently plough through oppositions. They reportedly have Aston Villa rivalling them for the Englishman’s services, but if Luke Dowling could pull off the deal to sign this explosive full-back to revitalize their right-flank, it’d be a complete win-win for the Baggies.
West Brom fans, do you think Tavernier could be the solution to the right-side problems? Join the discussion by commenting below..
