West Brom wonder Tom Fellows eases concerns after Jeremy Sarmiento exit
West Brom ace Tom Fellows has already eased concerns surrounding the exit of Jeremy Sarmiento after putting in an impressive display for West Brom despite the 1-0 loss against Swansea.
Sarmiento was recalled by Brighton before the game on 1 January, leaving Albion short of depth out wide, with the latest reports suggesting he will be immediately loaned again to Championship rivals Ipswich Town. [Fabrizio Romano, 2 January]
Fellows was handed his first start under Carlos Corberan as a result, having waited patiently after 13 substitute appearances, and proved he deserved his starting role.
Sarmiento’s exit made way for Fellows to start, with the lack of depth out wide becoming apparent as Adam Reach was chosen to replace Grady Diangana after 64 minutes.
The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes on his first start of the season, racking up 0.58 expected assists, with a 95% pass accuracy, including two key passes, six crosses attempted and three completed as he was the bright spark looking to make something happen. [Sofascore]
That creativity was matched by his general wing play, with three dribbles attempted, four ground duels won, and one foul drawn to help his side progress the play and take the game to their opponents.
Despite the ultimate result of the game piled on top of the frustration surrounding the Sarmiento news, Fellows provided plenty of reason to be optimistic as he continues his rapid progress under the guidance of Corberan in the Championship.
According to Express & Star journalist Lewis Cox [1 January], Albion are aiming to sign two new attacking reinforcements in the summer after Sarmiento’s departure, but for now, Fellows has eased the concerns surrounding the depth and quality out wide at The Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, a double transfer deal is now on the cards.