‘It’s up for debate’ – Exclusive: Phillips explains why ‘Outstanding’ West Brom star was dropped
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
West Brom fans were quite shocked when the team news was announced on Wednesday night to show that Semi Ajayi had been dropped from the side to face Sheffield Wednesday.
Ajayi, 26, had started all but two of Albion’s Championship matches before the trip to Hillsborough this week but based on the 3-0 win for the Baggies, Slaven Bilic’s decision was totally justified.
Kevin Phillips believes that the West Brom boss had to make changes following the defeat to Brentford and centre-back Ajayi was one of those who had to miss out of the clash versus the Owls.
“Whether he was dropped or rested, it’s up for debate,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“After Friday, losing the game, Slaven was looking to make changes. Unfortunately, he was one of those casualties.
“At the end of the day, when you’ve lost a game you’ve got to make a statement and make the change.
“He’s been outstanding for most of the season and I don’t think it will be a major issue between now and the end of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came back in.
“But there’s no reason why Slaven couldn’t pick the same team again and go and win the game against Hull on Sunday.”
Ajayi has been one of West Brom’s best players this season and has been one of the best defenders in the Championship.
Fans are still amazed that the club managed to sign him for just £1.5million from Rotherham last summer but Bilic’s decision to drop him against Sheffield Wednesday was absolutely the right one.
Albion have been weak at defending set-pieces this season while Sheffield Wednesday scored from two in their match before the clash versus the Baggies.
Ajayi is great but he is not as good in the air as both Ahmed Hegazi and Kyle Bartley, who coped well with Garry Monk’s set-pieces on Wednesday and helped West Brom keep a clean sheet.
We expect Ajayi to return to the fold on Sunday against Hull but this shows that the Baggies can win matches without one of their best players, which is a major plus point.
In other West Brom news, Alan McInally hailed this “brilliant” Albion player on Wednesday night.
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