Credit: Getty

Nick Ware

Thu 16 September 2021 7:10, UK

West Brom were held to a second successive draw at The Hawthorns on Tuesday as Derby County frustrated the home side.

Albion huffed and puffed but were unable to find a way past their opponents, with little in the way of positives.

Valerien Ismael will have learnt a lot about his squad over the past few days, and he may decide to tinker with his selection once again for the trip to Preston North End this weekend.

The Frenchman has shown he is not afraid to shake things up at the top of the pitch, and Norwich City loanee Jordan Hugill may be the next beneficiary of that.

He hasn’t had long to showcase his skills at The Hawthorns, but there was one moment on Tuesday that highlighted his importance to the side for this season.

The 29-year-old was a half-time substitute against the Rams, and the images below are just one example of his strength and ability to bring others into play.

The ball is bouncing around the edge of the penalty area when the alert Hugill nips in front of the defender to control the ball.

He then gets his body in between the ball and defender, holding off his marker.

His physique attracts the attention of another defender who attempts to help his teammate.

That, in turn, frees up other Albion players and makes more space.

Hugill cleverly turns his markers, who are sent the other way as he lays the ball on a plate for Matt Phillips.

Phillips runs onto the ball and shoots at goal, but his effort is too weak and is saved by the Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos.

While the Baggies did not profit from that moment, it shows the effect Hugill has on the opposition and how he could help attract more space for his teammates this season.

The likes of Phillips and Grady Diangana could profit from this from the beginning on Saturday.

In other West Brom news, Reading star reacts to ‘nuts’ Albion tweet.

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