West Brom defender Semi Ajayi outlines new tactical flexibility under Carlos Corberan
West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi has admitted he has been hard at work studying Carlos Corberan’s tactics and methods while out injured to make his transition back into the team easier.
The 29-year-old has been sidelined for the last three months after picking up an ankle injury against Wigan but returned to full training before the World Cup break, and is currently hard at work in the team’s warm weather camp in Spain.
The towering defender will look to hit the ground running for The Baggies’ Championship resumption against Sunderland on December 12.
Speaking to the official West Brom website, Ajayi outlined how detail-orientated the new-manager Corberan was, and how he has been doing his tactical homework in order to make his return easier.
He said: “I’ve been studying the way he likes to play and how the boys have been playing since he came in while I’ve been out.
“He has lots of different ideas on how he wants us to play and different formations he believes can benefit us in certain situations.
“We’ve been learning it all both on the training pitches and by doing video sessions too. All of that work combined has left everyone singing off the same hymn sheet.
“Everyone is very aware of what is expected from them and that should stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
Timely return
Although the World Cup break came at the worst possible time for the high-flying Baggies, it has at least given Ajayi a chance to integrate himself into the new regime before returning to league action.
He is a towering, strong centre-back who could be the perfect foil for the resurgent Kyle Bartley in the heart of the Spaniard’s defence.
With Bartley and Ajayi at the heart of West Brom’s defence, they will have two assured figures who can both lead by example on the pitch and in the dressing room.
The Nigerian has featured 80 times for the west midlands club since his £1.5 million move in 2019 and has proven himself a presence in both defensive and attacking penalty boxes – having netted an impressive eight goals.
With a behind-doors friendly against La Liga outfit Elche CF due to take place on Friday 2 December, Ajayi could do with getting some much-needed minutes under his belt in this match to force himself into Corberan’s plans.
In other West Brom news, several academy players asked to train with first-team in Spain camp.