West Brom gem inspired by Virgil van Dijk in new first-team admission
West Brom have consistently shown they are willing to look within the academy to bolster their squad in the past.
The most notable example in recent seasons, of course, is Tom Fellows, who has become a shining light in the Baggies’ first team over the past couple of campaigns.
Fellows’ form has been so impressive that it has led to inevitable talk of a move away from The Hawthorns but it is proof that there is talent in the academy.
And there are plenty of players chomping at the bit to be the next one to make the step up from the West Brom youth set-up to the first-team changing room.
West Brom youth product eyes first-team berth
Jamal Mohammed is one player who managed to catch the eye of Tony Mowbray during his brief second spell in charge of West Brom.
Mowbray spoke of how difficult the towering defender is to beat and the 19-year-old has already made the bench in the Baggies’ Championship clash against Burnley at Turf Moor this season.
Speaking to the Express and Star (20 May), Mohammed spoke of the traits he possesses and why Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning captain Virgil van Dijk is someone who particularly stands out for him.
“One of the players I look up to is Van Dijk, he’s pretty similar,” he said.
“My demeanour is very calm. So I try to take that onto the pitch and stay as calm as I can.
“I like dribbling with the ball, so when someone presses me, it allows me to step forward and break lines.”
The 19-year-old signed for West Brom after being released by Peterborough United at Under-16 level but his development was hindered by an ACL tear sustained in August 2023 during a Premier League 2 game against Sunderland.
However, Mohammed has spoken of some of the benefits the time on the sideline has had and, having returned to action in January, admits his focus is now on making the first team.
He added: “I want to prove that I can come on the pitch in first-team games and affect the matches.
“I feel everything happens for a reason.
“I’ve got stronger, better in the gym, and better physically. It has enabled me to be more dominant in first-team training and U21 appearances, so that was positive.”
Opportunity could knock at West Brom for Mohammed
The time could be just right for the youngster to be making a push for first-team inclusion.
West Brom have already announced that Semi Ajayi will depart the club when his contract expires in June, while Mason Holgate is returning to parent club Everton after his loan spell.
With a couple of spots opening up, then Mohammed will hope for a chance to shine in pre-season and stake his claim for a place in the squad.
It’ll be a crucial season for Mohammed, who has a year left on his West Brom contract, and will fight for his spot on the team and try to impress whoever becomes his new manager.
With West Brom failing to make the play-offs this time around, he will hope to play a part in what the Baggies will hope will be another challenge for the top six next time around.
Of course, there could be other competition with West Brom having already been linked to FC Sion defender Gora Diouf on a free transfer, but now feels right for him to really a case for inclusion.
The Baggies conceded 47 goals in 46 games this season, and they have not waited around to get new faces at the back.