After losing to Blackburn on the first day of the season, supporters were prepared for the worst, but a three-game unbeaten streak that included victories over Middlesbrough and Swansea put them in a respectable position to make the play-offs.
The Baggies have seven points from five games in the Championship, and while they still need to improve, fans will want to see some of their players take a bigger step forward, especially as three members of their present squad are divisive. Football League World examines the trio this season who are raising issues.
Diangana Grady
Diangana first joined West Brom in 2019–20 on a loan, when the Baggies were still in the Championship. After a standout season at The Hawthorns, Diangana was offered a permanent contract when the team was promoted to the Premier League.
But for the small winger, things aren’t quite going as planned. There is no denying his qualities; they are obvious. However, his greatest weakness is how productive he can be over the course of a season. For the £12 million sum that the Baggies paid for him, you’d expect him to at least eventually replace Jed Wallace and Matt Phillips.
The winger fell out of favor somewhat after just 27 league appearances last season, and after just two minutes of action this season, he is on the bench.
There is a player there, though, who you could have believed could have flourished under Carlos Corberan, even though his worth has significantly declined over the past two years. It’s possible that it’s Last Chance Saloon.
Cedric Kipre
After making his name at Wigan Athletic and progressing through the ranks at neighboring Midlands club Leicester City, Frenchman Kipre joined the Baggies in 2020 after their promotion to the Premier League.
Despite 14 appearances in 2021–22, he failed to make an appearance in the top level and spent last season on loan at Cardiff.
Although he was catapulted into the first team as a result of Dara O’Shea’s departure for Burnley, The Hawthorns supporters are still not entirely convinced.]
You only need to look at Kipre’s participation against Blackburn on the first day of the season to see that he is capable of making a mistake. Kipre can be a commanding center-back and one of the league’s top players on his best days, but those days can occasionally turn into a horror show.
Because O’Shea no longer possesses the power he once did, West Brom supporters are divided over their returning player.
Semi Ajayi
Ajayi joined the Baggies in 2019 after scoring an incredible seven goals from the center of defense for Rotherham in 2018–19, which undoubtedly caught the attention of second-tier clubs.
In his first full season at the club, they were promoted to the first division, and ever since, under coaches like Corberan, Steve Bruce, and others, Ajayi has been a mainstay in the back.
However, some supporters do not believe the defender possesses the necessary traits to lead them in the right direction.
He’ll be eager to disprove their claims.
