Athletic journalist: ‘Well-liked’ West Brom star facing challenge on training ground
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi was a man-mountain on Sunday as the Baggies fell to a 1-0 defeat against Spurs.
The Nigerian kept one of the Premier League’s most-potent attacks quiet for 95% of the clash, but one moment led to Harry Kane scoring the winner.
Despite falling to defeat, Ajayi was the best defender in the league all weekend – making nine tackle and interceptions, more than any other player.
It appears that the defender still needs to improve though.
Steve Madeley of the Athletic reported that Ajayi is “well-liked” at the training ground, and has a willingness to learn and improve.
It is suggested that the 27-year-old needs to add more concentration and game management to his natural talent, something that has been apparent.
In the Championship, you can get away with mistakes, but it is a different level in the Premier League and we could find out the hard way.
Ajayi hasn’t yet cemented his spot in the side at the Hawthorns, with Slaven Bilic showing he isn’t afraid to make changes.
His best performance of the season on Sunday is certainly not going to his causes any harm though, and now he will be tasked with keeping up that form with Nigeria.
The arrival of Branislav Ivanovic is also going to help, with the Serbian’s experience something that he will be able to access – once he is back from his isolation, of course.
Ajayi has the athleticism, the strength, the aerial ability, and should he add the concentration and management, he could become a top-class defender for the Baggies.
In other West Brom news, Sky pundit makes major Baggies & Bilic claim after Spurs clash
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