West Brom: Zac Ashworth has bright future at The Hawthorns after Carlos Corberan comments
Zac Ashworth looks like he will have a bright future at West Brom after impressing on loan at League One title challengers Bolton so far this season.
A natural left-wing-back, who can also play either on the wing or at the back, Ashworth has started to shine in League One in recent weeks with some tremendous displays.
Having signed a new contract in the summer, alongside fellow Bolton loanee Caleb Taylor, which will see him remain at The Hawthorns until 2025, he could play a big role in the future of the club.
Bolton have an option to buy at the end of his current loan deal – but there has been no hint of whether they are likely to trigger the option as was seen when Taylor Gardner-Hickman moved to Bristol City.
Carlos Corberan has given hope to West Brom Academy stars
Any young player, either in the academy or out on loan from West Brom, will have been boosted by Corberan’s recent admission that the club wants to hand opportunities to more young prospects.
Following the emergence of Tom Fellows at The Hawthorns, an example has been set for how players can step into the first team and impress. Fellows spent last season on loan at League Two side Crawley, which should show Ashworth the opportunity is there.
Birmingham Live journalist Joe Chapman took to X [14 February] to share the boss’ praise of Fellows: “He’s a special talent. It’s important for the club to have young players with long contracts with us. We need to try to replicate it in more cases.”
Zak Ashworth has shone on loan at Bolton
In his last five games, the left-wing-back has provided two goals and two assists, playing a crucial role in keeping the title challenge alive despite an injury-ravaged season, with Bolton sitting third in the league.
Ashworth has made just five starts, with a total of 14 appearances since making the loan switch, with three of those starts coming in the last five league games, and is starting to make his mark. [Sofascore]
There are certain aspects in which he could improve, however. An average of 64 per cent passing accuracy, 45 per cent cross accuracy and 40 per cent dribble success rate could all be boosted, although that may come with the additional game time.
In his last appearance, a 3-3 draw against struggling Charlton, Ashworth showed his willingness to go forward by attempting seven crosses, six long balls, and picking up an assist.
However, he was also able to showcase the defensive side of his game, making a huge six tackles, winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels, and winning seven of ten attempted ground duels in a dominant display all-round.
The future could be bright for Ashworth at The Hawthorns, and having played his way into the first-choice team at Bolton, he will look to continue his rise until he returns to West Brom at the end of the season.
In other West Brom news, the under-21s boss has sent Wolves a message ahead of their derby clash.
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