Carlos Corberan sets Callum Styles challenge after what happened in Luton v West Brom
Carlos Corberan has challenged Callum Styles to improve his performances for West Brom after struggling at left-back against Luton Town.
Utility man Styles, signed in the summer from Barnsley, was drafted into the side as Corberan was forced to shuffle his defensive pack on Friday [1 November] due to multiple injuries.
The Hungary international played at left-back in an incredible fifth-straight draw – this time 1-1 – tasked primarily with dealing with Daiki Hashioka and Elijah Adebayo.
Corberan told the Express & Star [5 November]: “Styles, I knew it would be a challenging game because of the type of opponent he was facing, it was not easy.
“He was giving some good actions but I know is a player that can play better than today.”
Can Callum Styles be a success at West Brom?
Styles is something of an enigma as a player, foremost because outright utility players are scarce in this era of the game.
The 24-year-old views himself primarily as a midfielder, but last season’s loan stint with Sunderland saw him slot in at left-back more often than not, failing to convince in a side a polar opposite of how they are performing now.
Styles always felt he was destined to play above League One level, which went down difficultly with Barnsley fans from time to time, though he did excel as a midfielder or winger when he was fit and firing at Oakwell.
His versatility and age profile have worked heavily in his favour in earning a move to The Hawthorns, with the Baggies having forked out an undisclosed fee to hand him a four-year contract.
Albion, having taken a point from each of their last five and without a win since 21 September, are clinging to the top six by a thread and on Thursday [7 November] welcome Burnley, themselves three without victory.
In other West Brom news, Dermot Gallagher blasts Luton boss Rob Edwards’ appeals from Friday night’s game.
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