BBC pundit hails Matt Phillips adaptability after West Brom experimentation
Steve Bruce has been experimenting with his West Brom squad during pre-season but few expected Matt Phillips to be a defensive midfielder.
That is the role he was deployed in away at Crewe Alexandra as Albion laboured to a 1-1 draw at the Mornflake Stadium but the Englishman looked the part in his new position.
BBC pundit Carlton Palmer was pleased to see him adapt so well but indicated that it might only be a test and not something that becomes regular for the Baggies in the 2022-23 season.
Well, I think it’s given Steve Bruce options. Matt is a wide player, he can play wide on the right, wide on the left,” Plamer said to Football League World.
“Steve’s tried him in the holding role in midfield and he’s adapted very well and played very well. I don’t see him starting now. I just couldn’t see that happening.
“But what it does for Steve, you know, Steve’s looking at all eventual circumstances during the season, you end up getting injuries you end up getting suspensions, therefore, you’ve got to be able to shuffle your pack a little bit.
“He’s fit at the moment, he’s got to stay fit and he’s given Steve a very nice option to have.”
Last resort
The chances of seeing Phillips deployed as a holding midfield player next season are very slim considering West Brom have just gone and re-signed Okay Yokuslu after a brief loan spell in the Premier League two seasons ago.
The Turk is practically guaranteed to be our starting defensive midfielder and he also has Jake Livermore for company and competition who will get in Phillips’ way in that position.
He could still make an impact on the wings from time to time but he may not get a great deal of game time there either with Jed Wallace another headline signing of the summer on a free trn=ansfer from Millwall.
The best scenario for Phillips and West Brom this transfer window would be to part ways either on loan or permanently because he is a substitute player at best and Bruce needs more than that.
He has been at The Hawthorns for a while but now is the time for separation and new beginnings for both.
In other West Brom news, Bruce has made demands to one of his Championship rivals as they chase a deal to sign another Albion attacker.
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