‘Solid signing’ – Exclusive: Pundit delivers verdict on new West Brom arrival
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…
Kevin Phillips believes that Branislav Ivanovic is a good addition to the West Brom squad but doesn’t think he’ll be a guaranteed starter each week.
Albion confirmed the 36-year-old’s arrival on a free transfer earlier this week after he was released by Zenit St Petersburg at the end of last season.
In that season, Ivanovic captained Zenit to the Russian Premier League title, starting 25 of 30 matches as a centre-back.
Due to his age and lack of pace, it’s unlikely that the former Chelsea man will be seen as a new right-back option by Slaven Bilic and instead be used more as a centre-back.
And even though Albion have leaked eight goals in their first two Premier League matches, Phillips cannot see him playing more than a “fair share” of matches.
“I’m not so sure if he’ll be a starter,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I’m not going to deny the qualities he’s shown over the years and he adds experience to the dressing room now you’ve lost Gareth Barry and Chris Brunt. You’ve lost two influential players.
“Whether Ivanovic plays week in, week out remains to be seen but it depends what style Slaven wants to play.
“I’d say he would play a fair share of games because he’s very consistent.
“He probably won’t be as attacking as he used to be but when you come up, you want to be a bit more solid defensively.
“It’s a solid signing for West Brom.”
Ivanovic won three Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea so adds a massive amount of top-flight experience to a West Brom squad that is currently devoid of that.
Most importantly, Ivanovic could also add leadership to a defence that has looked rudderless against Leicester and Everton.
Albion conceded two sloppy penalties versus the Foxes before seeing Kieran Gibbs losing his head and getting sent off at Goodison Park.
In that match, the Baggies were diabolical at defending set-pieces and maybe Ivanovic’s arrival will help stem the flow of goals being conceded.
In other West Brom news, Gary Lineker was wowed by this one Baggies player despite the defeat to Everton.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.