Alex Bruce has claimed that West Brom mainstay must improve if promotion secured
Alex Bruce has claimed that West Brom defender Kyle Bartley desperately needs to improve if they are to earn promotion to the Premier League.
The retired defender admitted that Bartley has gone downhill since he left his loan spell at Leeds United, deciding to move to the Midlands instead.
Bartley recently lost his spot to Ahmed Hegazi at the Hawthorns but regained that after the Egyptian picked up an injury.
Bruce claimed that Bartley has been way too inconsistent this season, and that will need to change should he feature in the Premier League.
“Inconsistency is the problem for him,” he told Football Insider.
“The one thing you can say about him from when he was at Swansea – and he had a bit of time at Leeds – he’s got to get his consistency levels sorted. He’s been one to play really well, catch your eye and then make a stupid mistake like he gives the penalty away.
“If he gets promoted this year, I personally think as a centre-half you get better with age, and that’s what he’s got to do.”
Comparing Bartley to Hegazi via WhoScored though highlights how much more effective the Englishman has been in defence.
The 28-year-old has completed more tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks this season and has also averaged fewer fouls.
Based on the numbers, Bartley has had a good season but Bruce picks out silly mistakes that creep into his game – the own goal against Forest a big example.
You can’t afford to make similar mistakes in the Premier League, as you will be punished much more frequently at that level – take notes, Bartley.
In other West Brom news, Andy Couzens makes bold promotion prediction involving Leeds & West Brom