Matt Phillips running out of chances to impress, Grady Diangana lurking
West Brom winger Matt Phillips is at risk of losing his starting place with Grady Diangana’s return from injury putting pressure on his position.
The 29-year-old has endured a tough season, as have many of his teammates, but Phillips’ bad form has lasted longer than most.
Even stretching back to last season his performances began to decline, and in the end Albion were reliant on the creativity of Matheus Pereira and Diangana to get us over the promotion line.
Incredibly, Phillips has scored just two goals in his last 46 games for the Baggies – a run that has lasted since January 2020.
He really needs to step his game up, otherwise Sam Allardyce will be looking to other alternatives.
There are signs that Phillips is falling out of favour.
He has started just six games out of 14 since Big Sam took charge, and he was the first to be hooked when we went down to ten men against Burnley last week.
It was well deserved, as the wide man gave away possession seven times in just half an hour – completing only two passes in the process, per SofaScore.
A wider look at his performances this season make for painful reading.
Phillips has completed only 0.3 dribbles per game, and contributed 14 key passes all season (WhoScored).
It is little surprise we have struggled so much in attack, scoring 15 goals in the league.
Diangana has not fared much better, but after spending two months out he should now be champing at the bit.
Some sections of the fanbase are beginning to doubt the 22-year-old’s ability, and that should motivate him to do better.
If he can reignite last season’s form he should be able to replace Phillips in the team.
The latter is running out of time to impress and has little more than a year remaining on his £20,000 a week deal.
In other West Brom news, ‘Feels like home’ – £32k/wk West Brom star sends message that Albion fans will love.