West Brom midfielder, John Swift
West Brom midfielder, John Swift

John Swift starting berth at threat amid 'quality' West Brom squad verdict

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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West Brom making an unbeaten start to the season and their newfound squad depth could see John Swift lose his place in the starting XI.

Albion are sitting pretty at the top of the Championship following four wins and a draw in five league matches so far, with Carlos Corberan naming an unchanged starting side for each game.

However, with new signings Uros Racic, Callum Styles and the returning Mikey Johnston yet to be fully integrated into the team, it may well be Swift who makes way in midfield.

In an interview with the Express and Star (17 September), Swift noted this strength, saying: “Inside the changing room we knew we were strong, but to start how we have – I don’t think anybody expected it.

"Having quality on the bench to come on and change the game is a massive plus.

“The quality we have on the bench, there are some great players and hopefully they can continue to come on and make a difference.”

Carlos Corberan could drop John Swift amid West Brom changes

Corberan's side are leading the way after five matches of the new Championship season, but with (at least) 41 to go, there is plenty of change ahead, and this could be reflected in the Spaniard's starting XI.

Like the rest of the side, Swift has hardly put a foot wrong so far in 2024/25, but the likes of Johnston in particular will be keen to force their way into the side sooner rather than later.

Carlos Corberan
Carlos Corberan has decisions to make for West Brom to continue their unbeaten start [Credit: Imago]

Swift's fellow midfielders Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt have already got themselves on the scoresheet this season, with the latter firing home a double against Portsmouth last time out.

Tom Fellows and surprise package Karlan Grant have also provided assists and goals respectively from the flanks, leaving Swift as the odd player out and yet to register a single goal contribution.

With talks of a new contract also on the line, the onus is on Swift to step up and earn a new deal at the Hawthorns – and make sure he's not the player sacrificed when Corberan does make changes to his starting XI.

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