Alex Mowatt now undoubtedly irreplaceable as West Brom duo falter v Sheffield Wednesday
West Brom could be in massive trouble if Alex Mowatt suffers any other injuries during the current Championship season.
The 29-year-old was a doubt heading into the clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 28 September, undergoing a “late fitness test” before the sides kicked off at Hillsborough [DOOD via X].
He was clearly not ready to start the game, with Carlos Corberan dropping him down to the bench, while Ousmane Diakite and Uros Racic formed the midfield partnership ahead of the backline.
That is precisely the area of the pitch that the Owls used against the Baggies, and Mowatt’s introduction at half-time was not enough to undo the damage in the disappointing 3-2 defeat.
While everyone at The Hawthorns is incredibly aware of the talent Mowatt possesses, in defence and even with a long-range strike at goal, that thought has been driven home by the failings of Diakite and Racic.
Carlos Corberan cannot lose Alex Mowatt after West Brom defeat
Despite only getting 45 minutes on the pitch, Mowatt was exemplary against the Owls. He attempted 64 passes, completing 92 per cent of them, registered 68 touches and made 10 passes into the final third [FotMob].
To put that into context, Diakite and Racic attempted a combined total of 40 passes, completing an average of 85 per cent, taking a combined 56 touches between them, and played five passes into the final third.
Diakite did have some defensive success, winning 100 per cent of his tackles (4/4), 71 per cent of his ground duels (5/7) and 100 per cent of his aerial duels (1/1).
But in truth, the Owls just had far too much joy bypassing the midfield in the first half and Diakite and Racic just could not get control of proceedings in the engine room so it was little surprise to see the former hooked by Corberan at the break.
This just proves how vital Mowatt is to the West Brom team, especially if they are to keep up their current form and push for promotion to the Premier League, having gone unbeaten in the Championship prior to the Hillsborough setback.
Just the first half at Hillsborough was enough to show Corberan exactly what life would be like without his midfield star available, but it also proves why the 29-year-old is absolutely undroppable now.
In other West Brom news, Gabby Agbonlahor has been wowed by the Baggies amid a new word of warning.
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