Semi Ajayi sends clear message to Carlos Corberan after what happened in West Brom v QPR
Carlos Corberan will have heard Semi Ajayi’s desire to play loud and clear after West Brom claimed a 3-1 victory against QPR on Saturday (10 August).
The 30-year-old lined up alongside Kyle Bartley in the centre of defence, ahead of goalkeeper Alex Palmer, a trio who were stunned early on by Lucas Andersen’s opening goal.
Things at Loftus Road were a lot more plain sailing from that moment, however, with Josh Maja sealing a record-breaking hat-trick to bring all three points back to The Hawthorns on the opening day of the new Championship campaign.
Ajayi can certainly be thanked for the role he played in the clash and will feel that he sent a clear message to Corberan about his involvement in the starting XI.
The Nigerian international was left out of the Baggies’ starting XI on multiple occasions last season, making just 10 league starts and watching from the bench as Bartley and Cedric Kipre were given the nod.
He will hope that is no longer the case after his showing against Rangers.
Carlos Corberan sent clear message by Semi Ajayi in West Brom v QPR
Despite all of Bartley’s appearances last term, his partner in defence looked to be the most switched-on of the two, mopping up any dangerous attacks from QPR.
It was the 30-year-old’s ability in the air that really showed his capabilities ahead of another season in the Championship.
Ajayi played the whole 90 minutes, making eight headed clearances, one interception, and five recoveries, while also winning 100 per cent of his ground duels and winning four aerial duels [FotMob].
With the Baggies holding 61 per cent of possession at Loftus Road, the centre-back brought a sense of calm to the backline, taking 72 touches, and maintaining an 86 per cent passing accuracy, with six of those passes into the final third.
Following Kipre’s exit, some fans may have been hoping to see 21-year-old Caleb Taylor given an opportunity, but those hopes may have taken a dent after Ajayi’s performance against QPR.
In other West Brom news, watch as Josh Maja scores impressive hat-trick v QPR.
In other West Brom, Hawthorns-linked Tom Cannon sends message as Baggies loan deal finalised.
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