Kyle Bartley now among best in Championship after West Brom turnaround
Former West Brom striker Andy Johnson is convinced that Kyle Bartley is now one of the best central defenders in the Championship.
The 31-year-old had been little more than a backup during the end of Steve Bruce’s reign at The Hawthorns but Carlos Corberan’s arrival in the Midlands has changed that.
He has scored twice since the Spaniard took over and has subsequently been nominated for November Player of the Month in the second division.
“We talked about Kyle Bartley, he has gone from not being involved to coming in, scoring goals and the manager praising him as one of the best centre-halves in the league and a leader of men, someone who is great in the dressing room,” Johnson said, as quoted by the Express and Star.
“Look at Matty Phillips, he’s a different lad totally. (Jayson) Molumby has looked better, Jake (Livermore) has done well, it is great to see.”
Resurrected
It is scarcely believable that Bartley is now one of the Baggies’ most important players after being frozen out somewhat by Bruce who preferred other options at centre-half.
Corberan’s hand has almost been forced, admittedly, with Semi Ajayi out injured and depth at the back fairly bare but the 31-year-old has stepped up to the plate when the club needed him to.
Albion are readying for the return of club football on Monday (12 December) when they visit Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and Bartley is going to be critical on Wearside.
Tony Mowbray could have brutal striker Ross Stewart back available after injury and he needs to be handled by only the toughest of opponents. Bartley fits the bill.
Ellis Simms could cause more direct, pacey issues but that shouldn’t be Bartley’s concern if he can stop Stewart from dominating the game from the front for the Black Cats.
In other West Brom news, while Stewart is set to return, there are a number of absentees for Sunderland with two players still out due to the World Cup.