West Bromwich Albion sign Grady Diangana
After Grady Diangana’s performance for West Brom against Queens Park Rangers, Carlos Corberan suggested that Diangana might take on a more significant role in John Swift’s absence.
In the 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns, Diangana not only scored but also earned a penalty. His manager was extremely pleased with both the performance and the way he transitioned to a new position in the team. Although the manager acknowledged that this might not be a long-term fix, Diangana’s style of play—being able to receive the ball with his back to the goal—fit the part he wanted him to play.
On October 26, Corberan said in an interview with the Express and Star, “I believe he had a positive reaction after the last game he played. He was having a good offensive impact; he scored the goal after being fouled for the penalty.
“He was a dangerous player who made some excellent finishes and was producing well in one-on-one situations.” For me, it matters that the players who enter the final third create, and he managed to complete the task he began. “In the first half, we attacked with Wallace on the right, Phillips on the left, and him as a playmaker. Now that Swift isn’t available, Sarmiento has two options: a winger or a midfielder can playmaker.
“Grady is a player who can perform well; I saw him receiving the ball with his back to the ball with ease. Perhaps it doesn’t require the same kind of answer in a different game.
“This is how football works; when one player steps back or gets injured and is taken off the field, another needs to step forward.”
Diversity can be important.
Players who are adaptable enough to play multiple positions and different roles can prove to be a valuable asset for Corberan in a squad as thin as this West Brom one, where rotation is always required and injuries are a concern.
Despite appearances, there are more options available to swap out players. When Swift was hurt, for instance, you might have assumed Jed Wallace or Alex Mowatt would fill the void, but Diangana has proven he is equally capable.
Diangana’s ability to perform in a different role and impress the manager will also help his chances of playing regularly, even with a fully fit squad.
The winger was rumored to be leaving during the summer as the team tried to raise money through player sales, but no deal materialized. Diangana will now try to win Corberan over at The Hawthorns.
