(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

West Brom's very own Kevin De Bruyne can lead them back to Premier League this season

Pranav Shahaney

Pranav is a sports journalist who graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, with a Distinction in Sports Journalism (MA). He has over six years of experience working inside newsrooms and has been writing about football since the age of 15. Long-form tactical articles and investigative pieces hold a special place in his heart.

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West Brom will be aiming for promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.

Ryan Mason will be relying on some of his players to lead by example and galvanise the rest of the team when the chips are down.

The Baggies appeared to be singing from the same hymn sheet under Carlos Corberan, and Mason will want to have a similar impact on them.

Ryan Mason
Mason will be aiming for a good start. (Credit: Imago)

Isaac Price has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne

Isaac Price shares notable similarities with Kevin De Bruyne, making him a potential linchpin for the Baggies’ Premier League promotion push.

This similarity has been noted by Ricky Lee as well, who is a casual scout for Hartlepool United.

ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Everton U236455
Standard Liege6313
Everton U1819--
West Brom1511
Everton3--
Price's career stats.

His ability to deliver quality final balls mirrors De Bruyne’s playmaking prowess, as seen with his 119 Premier League assists.

Price’s versatility to operate in central midfield, attacking roles, or even as a makeshift striker, as deployed by Tony Mowbray, echoes De Bruyne’s adaptability across midfield positions.

Both players combine technical finesse with athleticism and have the ability to provide an eye-of-the-needle pass.

Price averages 1.74 progressive carries - putting him in the 85th percentile of all midfielders in fbref's Men's Next 14 Competitions.

Price could play a key role in West Brom's promotion push

His nine goals for Northern Ireland, including a hat-trick against Bulgaria, highlight a goal-scoring instinct akin to De Bruyne’s long-range thunderbolts.

For West Brom, Price’s ability to break lines, create chances, and contribute defensively addresses their need for a creative spark in midfield, especially after losing experienced players like John Swift.

The 21-year-old averages 2.73 clearances and 1.81 blocks per 90 minutes - putting him in the 95th percentile of all midfielders.

Under Mason’s youthful management, Price’s energy and set-piece delivery could elevate teammates like Aune Heggebo, bolstering West Brom’s attack.

Retaining him amid interest from elsewhere is crucial, as his potential to blossom into a Championship star could drive the Baggies’ play-off charge, leveraging his £2.5million signing from Standard Liege in January this year to secure promotion.

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