Journalist makes new claim about Pipa role at West Brom
Joe Chapman has claimed the right-back shirt is Pipa’s to lose at West Brom despite the improved form of Darnell Furlong after his impressive display against Coventry.
The Birmingham Live journalist suggested that the arrival of the Spaniard had boosted Furlong’s form, but his more attack-minded focus and play in the 2-0 win may have solidified his place in the team.
He went on to claim that, due to the differing styles of the right wing-backs, Carlos Corberan would be able to chop and change as he pleases based on the requirements of their opponents.
Writing in a Q&A for Birmingham Live, Chapman shared: “Furlong has improved his performances – I don’t think it’s a coincidence – in the last couple of months, they’ve been much better than they were before that. Furlong has been a routine selection there for years but in Pipa, you have a genuine rival.
“I thought Pipa did enough, looking ahead to Hull on Saturday, where it’s sort of his shirt to lose. It’ll be interesting to see what Carlos does.
“He’s not afraid to drop players who are playing well, it’s not always form-related but it can be about adapting to the challenge of the opponent.
“If Furlong is deemed to be a better fit when they’re looking to overcome Hull, then I imagine Furlong will come back in, but it’s fair to say Pipa hasn’t hurt his chances.
“I thought he was efficient, in the second half he looked comfortable and it’s just nice to know – while they haven’t got too many senior players available – that under the surface they have players Corberan can call upon to do a job.”
Strong competition makes everyone better
Having such strong competition for a position that Pipa and Furlong provide is always a boost to any team. They will push each other to be better and as such their performances for the team will improve, and the knock-on effect makes everybody else take a step up too.
While they will push each other for the starting place, it’s also important for Corberan to be able to rotate and change, using their different styles of play to best match his team and requirements with the opponents.
Pipa, the more front-footed attacking option, will prove to be a threat to the opposition defence and may be the preferred choice against sides where more of a direct threat is needed, despite only having made one start.
When it comes to sides with strong threats down their left flank, Furlong could be the go-to, with his stronger defensive awareness and presence a valuable part of keeping things tight at the back as West Brom have done so often since Corberan’s arrival.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies could be without another star player soon after an incident v Coventry.