Josh Griffiths purple patch at Portsmouth could push David Button out of West Brom
Josh Griffiths has faced alot of criticism at Portsmouth this season, but his recent performance will be a huge worry to David Button at West Brom.
Griffiths rose through the Baggies academy, spending nine years in the youth system before breaking through at senior level in 2020.
He was never handed a start for West Brom though, and instead headed out on a flurry of loan spells – the latest coming at League One side Portsmouth.
Despite facing some stick over his performances at the start of his spell, Griffiths put on a shot-stopping masterclass during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Morecambe, and he’ll hope his man of the match award is a turning point in his spell.
Pompey manager Danny Cowley was full of praise after the match: “Josh is a brilliant human being, so mature – maturity beyond his years,” he said, as quoted by The News.
“He’s one of the best three England goalkeepers who are 21 and under. We’re very privileged to have him and he’s going to be an outstanding goalkeeper.”
Performances like that make headlines and catch the eye of managers, and Carlos Corberan will be keeping a keen eye on Griffiths’ progress at Portsmouth.
At just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to grow and gain experience, and he’ll suddenly feel much more confident about eventually returning to The Hawthorns as a first-team player.
The starting goalkeeper at West Brom has already caused debate this season. David Button started the season in goal, but after a number of crucial errors and poor performances, Alex Palmer has taken his place.
Corberan stuck with Palmer during his first few weeks at the club, and it’s increasingly looking as though Button’s career at West Brom is dead and buried.
Griffiths’ emergence out on loan will only accelerate his exit.
In other West Brom news, Daryl Dike is set to play ahead of Brandon Thomas-Asante after the World Cup break.