View: 8 interceptions v Liverpool – Allardyce finds Livermore alternative for West Brom
Semi Ajayi may have stolen the headlines for West Brom after a dramatic draw against Liverpool but loanee Conor Gallagher was another player that thrived at Anfield.
Following Sam Allardyce’s appointment, there was certainly some scepticism about how exactly the Chelsea loanee may fit into his plans.
Not renowned for playing particularly creative football, it was suggested that Gallagher may struggle to impact games as he was under Slaven Bilic.
However, any doubts about how role under the former England manager were certainly squashed with his performance against the Premier League champions.
With no Jake Livermore in the squad, there was an extra onus on the likes of Gallagher and Romaine Sawyers to provide the defensive steel that the Baggies needed to secure a shock result.
Gallagher showed the other side to his brilliant creative game with a strong defensive performance against Liverpool.
As per Wyscout, Gallagher made an incredible eight interceptions at Anfield and won 10 defensive duels against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In the Premier League this season, the midfielder has only averaged 3.5 interceptions per 90 minutes, so Allardyce’s immediate impact is clear to see.
When looking at West Brom’s average match ratings for the 1-1 draw, only goalscorer Ajayi ranked higher (7.5) than Gallagher, who was given a 7.0 for his efforts at Anfield.
Importantly, on the ball, Gallagher was dispossessed just once, providing a touch of calmness in possession.
Under Allardyce, the on-loan midfielder may not be as much of a goal threat as he was with Slaven Bilic in charge, but he is proving that he can be the all-action midfielder that helps the Baggies push on for Premier League safety.
In other West Brom news, Stephen Warnock was blown away by ‘Phenomenal’ West Brom player after 1-1 v Liverpool
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