View: Rarely-seen 23y/o deserves shot to fix major West Brom problem
West Brom have struggled defensively this season, with boss Slaven Bilic yet to decide on his best formation and personnel.
With Ahmed Hegazi sold part-way into the season, and Branislav Ivanovic out of action due to COVID-19, the Baggies were better against Tottenham Hotspur in their most recent game. However, finding a balance between attack and defence remains a big question for Bilic.
Dara O’Shea is yet to be used at centre-back in a back four, while against speedy attackers Ivanovic has struggled. Kyle Bartley was dropped after a poor start to the season and Semi Ajayi has been consistent. The only other option at centre-back for Bilic to turn to is Cedric Kipre, and it may be worth a gamble.
Signed from Wigan Athletic over the summer, Kipre has only made two appearances in the EFL Cup this season, playing 90 minutes against both Harrogate Town and Brentford.
About to turn 24, the Frenchman showed plenty of potential in a solid Wigan defence last season. Making 36 appearances last season, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per match (via WhoScored). Wigan conceded 56 goals over the whole league season, the ninth-best record in the division.
Despite his lack of game time, it was reported in the Birmingham Mail that Kipre could be available in January on loan, with ex-Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski claiming that Bilic does rate him as a potential starter (via The Liquidator Podcast).
Given the lack of trusted options at centre-back for the Baggies, allowing Kipre to leave on loan would be a surprising decision. However, it could hint at the Baggies entering the market again for a defender in January, with only four centre-backs currently available.
If this is not the case though, the former Wigan man deserves an opportunity to stake his claim. No side in the Premier League has conceded as many goals as West Brom so far this season (via WhoScored) and Kipre is one of the few potential internal solutions Bilic has.
In other West Brom news, this Man United star is fit to face Albion this weekend
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