Mason discovers which West Brom players he likes and doesn’t like – Ex-Albion star
West Brom fell to defeat against Lincoln City in their third pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Josh Makama scored twice to put the home side 2-0 up, before Ryley Towler extended the advantage just after half-time.
Karlan Grant got a goal back for the Baggies, but Jack Moylan restored Lincoln’s advantage, and Devante Cole’s late goal could not overturn the 4-2 score line.
Saturday’s (26 July) defeat was just the latest blow in what has proved to be a dispiriting pre-season for Ryan Mason’s side, who also lost to Blackpool last week.
Quashie gives verdict
If there is any time to get the losses out of your system, it is in pre-season.
But Mason will be concerned by his side’s failure to adapt to his tactics so far, with the Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers less than two weeks away.
Former West Brom midfielder Nigel Quashie took to social media (27 July) to share his thoughts on the Baggies’ latest result.
“One thing for sure is a result like that against Lincoln City in pre season will tell the manager more about the squad individually and individually,” he said.
“Results haven’t gone well this time of year but this gives the manager an indication who he thinks is to the level.
“Mixed teams picked for pre season is always difficult but also normal because players need minutes in the legs.
“Saying that you’re playing for a position in the team and these results will tell the manager quickly who he likes and who he doesn’t.”
Mason has depth issue
Quashie’s words hold a lot of truth. Pre-season is largely viewed as a fitness-building exercise, to prepare the players for the return of the, in the Championship’s case especially, intense schedule.
But it is also an opportunity for the head coach to test new tactics, and see how certain players will thrive, or falter, when instructed with them.
Unfortunately, in Mason’s case, the luxury of sampling various players in various roles does not really exist.
Depth is a clear problem for West Brom at the moment, with just four senior central midfielders available for Mason to deploy.
| West Brom’s central midfielders |
| Ousmane Diakite |
| Jayson Molumby |
| Isaac Price |
| Alex Mowatt |
In attack, the issue is not quite as prevalent, but still, injuries will limit how the Englishman can approach his starting lineup on the opening weekend.
Fortunately, there is still time in the window to bring in those further reinforcements. But with time rapidly running out, the Baggies must act quickly and decisively.
If not, they risk hanging Mason out to dry, with a quick start to the season critical to the team’s confidence and momentum.
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