Ryan Mason has ‘next John Terry’ at West Brom in new summer signing
West Brom couldn’t have kept quiet after losing Torbjorn Heggem to Bologna in the previous transfer window.
Andrew Nestor went on to sign five defenders at The Hawthorns for the £10million the Baggies received from the Norwegian defender’s sale to the Serie A outfit.
Darnell Furlong also joined Ipswich Town for £4m, and it was arguably money that the Albion couldn’t have turned down for the 29-year-old right-back.
While Ryan Mason will undoubtedly have been worried about the loss of some key players from his backline, the Black Country club have evidently made some shrewd investments.
West Brom defender Alfie Gilchrist likened to John Terry
Alfie Gilchrist has joined the Baggies from Chelsea in a deal worth £1.2m, which could rise to £2m with add-ons.
The 21-year-old has come up through the youth ranks at the Blues, captaining their Under-23s team when he was 18.
In 2021, the versatile defender, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, was tipped to be the next John Terry by Chelsea scout Sean Conlon, and The Hawthorns faithful will definitely hope he can live up to the expectation.
Speaking via the Express & Star, the scout said: “Gilchrist, he’s the Chelsea Under-23s captain. He’s only 18, but he could be the next John Terry; he’s a really good player.
“I’m a huge fan of his. I coached him and spent a lot of time with him. I’m hoping he goes on to do big things. At 18 he’s captain of the Under-23s and I think he’s got great promise.”
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Josh Griffiths to shine with new backline at The Hawthorns
Chris Mepham’s arrival at The Hawthorns will certainly help Mason build a solid defence at the Baggies, with Nat Phillips also at his disposal.
While Josh Griffiths didn’t have the best of times in the previous campaign after Alex Palmer’s exit, the 23-year-old has already shown signs of improvement this season.
The England Under-21 international seems to be the English manager’s number one this season, starting in the opening four Championship fixtures of the season and keeping two clean sheets.
- After four matches, the Baggies are second in the Championship table.
- Mason has won three and drawn one league game since taking over the Black Country club.
- The Albion have conceded three goals in the league this season.
Griffiths pulled off an incredible save for West Brom during their 1-0 win over Stoke City on 30 August, showcasing his evolution since last season.
A solid foundation in front of the English shot-stopper will arguably only make him better, and Gilchrist’s arrival will only add more solidity to the backline.
Mason will be expected to make the play-offs this season, and the spine of the team will certainly play a significant role in achieving that goal.
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