View: Incredible stat only bettered by van Dijk highlights West Brom’s secret weapon
Anfield hero Semi Ajayi is proving to be the man for the big occasion at West Brom and it should not come as much of a surprise.
The Nigerian defender more than played his part in a vital equaliser away to Manchester City and has since followed that up by scoring a brilliant header to secure a draw at Anfield on Sunday.
His aerial ability is going to be a huge asset to Sam Allardyce for the remainder of the season and it is something the former England manager must continue to try and exploit.
As per the BBC, only Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Aaron Pierre have scored more headed league goals in England’s top four tiers than the Baggies man since the beginning of the 2018/19 season.
There was a clear focus on trying to get the ball into Ajayi from throw-ins and corners against Liverpool and we should expect to see more of the same going forward.
At Anfield, 33% of all passes West Brom played were either crosses or long balls, according to WhoScored.
Baggies must make use of Ajayi’s ability in the air
It is an incredible record from the former Rotherham man, whose goal at Anfield takes his West Brom tally to six in all competitions.
Ajayi now only trials the club’s top goalscorers Conor Gallagher and Callum Robinson by a single goal and it should not come as a huge shock if his numbers continue to rise.
According to WhoScored, 36% of all the goals that West Brom have scored in the Premier League this season have come from set-pieces.
Ajayi was no stranger to finding the back of the net during his time with Rotherham, where he netted 15 times.
Allardyce will want to add goals to his squad in the new year, but Ajayi could be the surprise hero at the Hawthorns this season.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies want Everton player on loan in January who the Toffees paid £27m for
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