‘Clearly isn’t capable’ – Goldberg claims big-money ace should be bombed out of West Brom
Branislav Ivanovic has failed to prove his worth and should be sent out of the West Brom exit door, according to The Liquidator podcast host Adrian Goldberg.
Ivanovic joined the Baggies in September on a one-year deal after being persuaded to join the Premier League new boys by Slaven Bilic, who was sacked on December 16.
The former Chelsea defender has played in all four of Sam Allardyce’s matches since taking over as manager, making his first start for him against Arsenal on Sunday evening, but the 36-year-old struggled against a pacey Arsenal attack and was hooked in the second half.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Liquidator podcast (04/01/2020), the former Birmingham Mail journalist said on Ivanovic, “The man is just past it, he clearly isn’t capable of playing at the pace, either physically or mentally, of the Premier League.
“He [Bilic] staked a lot on Ivanovic being his man and that really hasn’t worked out.
“For my money if we can get Ivanovic out of the club and save his 60 odd grand a week wages I think that would be a benefit and would allow us perhaps to sign somebody else.”
Past his best
Ivanovic’s struggles have been clear for all to see this season as he proves past success counts for nothing when age is against you.
The Serb last appeared in the Premier League for Chelsea during the 2016/17 season before moving to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg where he remained until his switch to the Baggies.
Ivanovic’s Premier League stats this season sum up his dross displays for Albion.
Per WhoScored, he is statistically rated as the worst Premier League defender this season, with a score of 6.25 from his 11 outings.
He has also wins just 1.2 aerial duels per game, less than that of winger Grady Diangana (1.5), for example.
With the January transfer window now open, Allardyce will be looking at defenders that can help solve the Baggies defensive deficiencies, with their total of 39 goals conceded the highest in the division.
Ivanovic’s status in the West Brom side looks more vulnerable than ever, and he could be set for the exit door sooner rather than later.
In other West Brom news, Baggies outcast set for Championship loan move.
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