Pundit reacts to West Brom ‘noise’ over lack of centre-forward options
ITV pundit Sam Parkin insists West Brom fans have been frustrated at the lack of a central striker this season – something Daryl Dike can look to fix.
The Baggies made it five consecutive wins under Carlos Corberan on Saturday afternoon after a comfortable 3-0 win over Rotherham.
After his winning goal against Sunderland last week, Dike was named in the starting lineup by Corberan, although it was Jed Wallace, Grady Diangana and Brandon Thomas-Asante off the bench who netted for Albion.
But the 22-year-old American still led the line well for West Brom, constantly threatening Rotherham from a central position – something the side have lacked for large parts of the season.
During the EFL Highlights Show on ITV (27 December, 29:14), Parkin spoke about the frustration from fans at the striker situation this season.
“Just one goal conceded in those last five games, and that’s what Carlos Corberan was more about I felt at Huddersfield – the structure of the side,” said Parkin.
“He probably didn’t have the luxuries in attack that he’s got now this season. The point about Dike is very prevalent this season.
“A lot of the noise that’s come out of the West Brom supporters about where they’re missing or lacking is that central striker. Now those players around him can play in their natural positions and Dike can play as a focal point.”
Firepower
Dike’s return from injury has made a huge difference for West Brom. Brandon Thomas-Asante was doing a superb job of filling in while the American was injured, but Corberan now has multiple options in the final third.
His physical presence and willingness to run in behind is a handful for central defenders, and as Parkin mentions it allows the likes of Wallace and Diangana to threaten more from the wide positions.
On top of that, Corberan can now call on Thomas-Asante to make an impact from the bench – something he did superbly against Rotherham on the weekend.
Keeping Dike fit and fresh will be one of Corberan’s top priorities this season as the side look much better going forward with him in the team.
Just five points separate West Brom from the playoff positions, with the Baggies also boasting a game in hand on many f the teams above them.
Momentum is well and truly in their favour and the games can’t come fast enough for Corberan at the moment.
In other West Brom news, Nigel Quashie urges Corberan to manage Dike carefully this season