Semi Ajayi slammed as ‘incredibly naive’ after incident in West Brom draw v Leeds United
Semi Ajayi was slammed for an “incredibly naive” moment by Andy Hincliffe as West Brom drew 0-0 with Leeds United on Saturday (17 August).
The Nigerian international has been called back into Carlos Corberan’s starting XI after the departure of Cedric Kipre this summer, but he will need to be much smarter after the clash a Wilfried Gnonto.
Daniel Farke’s side were handed a brilliant opportunity to swing a dangerous ball into the Baggies’ penalty area, and although nothing came of the chance, Ajayi was still bashed for his decision-making.
Speaking live via Sky Sports on Saturday (17 August, 1:19pm), Hinchliffe said: That’s incredibly naive. With Leeds United in an advanced position, a dangerous position, Gnonto is protecting the ball.
“The last thing you should be doing is trying to win the ball and colliding with the Leeds player. He’s looking for it, protecting the ball with his body, and he falls for it, going smashing into him.”
Carlos Corberan to rethink Semi Ajayi selection after West Brom v Leeds United?
While Ajayi will certainly be condemned for any future mistakes, Corberan is unlikely to take him out of the starting XI any time soon.
The 30-year-old was very solid in defence during the opening Championship fixture against QPR, partnering Kyle Bartley in front of Alex Palmer, and one lapse of judgement should not undo all that hard work.
With Cedric now gone, Corberan’s only other options at centre-back are 21-year-old Caleb Taylor and loanee Patrick McNair, who is only at The Hawthorns until December.
Corberan is definitely limited in choices when it comes to his defenders, and that is unlikely to change before the transfer window closes on 30 August, but he will not be concerned if Bartley and Ajayi stay fit.
Luckily for the Baggies, Leeds were unable to take advantage of Ajayi’s momentary slip-up, and the centre-back will have breathed a sigh of relief after his teammates managed to clear the impending danger.
In other West Brom news, Cole Deeming shared his Baggies “dream” verdict despite the defeat to Fleetwood Town.
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