West Brom star Sam Johnstone has changed this season
West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been changed by Valerien Ismael’s style of play this season.
The Athletic have released a report showing the changes that Johnstone has had to make to his game to adapt to the Frenchman’s favoured way of playing.
He is playing as a sweeper-keeper these days, which is reflected in a few key statistics that show big changes in the way he is being asked to play and contribute.
Johnstone is showing signs of improvement and adaptability.
So far this season, the 28-year-old has completed 31 keeper-sweepings, and he has made six headed clearances already, which is the same as his last three campaigns combined.
As well as this, he is also down on saves per game and catches per game as he has been forced to be a more modern goalkeeper and seems to be coping with the change.
There have been a few mistakes along the way, but he has only played ten games under Ismael, so you would think it is going to take time to fully adapt.
Remember, he has been described as “unbelievable” by Tony Bomber Brown in the past and has changed the way he goes about things this season [BBC].
In fact, despite playing in the Championship, he appears to be Gareth Southgate’s second-choice goalkeeper, which is a great achievement.
Johnstone looks set to start for the Three Lions this evening against Andorra, although we don’t expect him to be forced into much of this action against the European minnows.
This is a fascinating article, and we recommend all Baggies fans to have a read and look at how Johnstone has changed his game.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are waiting to hear the latest on Alex Mowatt.