Charlie Taylor shares ‘massive’ verdict after sealing West Brom transfer
West Brom fans were shocked when Charlie Taylor arrived on loan in the final hours of the summer window.
West Brom fans wanted a winger to replace Tom Fellows on deadline day.
Instead, Samuel Iling-Junior joined on loan from Aston Villa, while West Brom signed Taylor from Southampton for the season.
But more than a winger, Albion supporters want players who will put their bodies on the line for the badge. While they may not have found their long-term right winger signing, it seems they have stumbled upon something better.
Charlie Taylor was keen to sign for West Brom
The left-back’s profile would not have been the only thing to steer West Brom fans away from his transfer.
West Brom signing Taylor once went on strike at Leeds United before leaving for free that summer. While years have passed since the incident, those involved at the Baggies would have pondered whether he’d commit to Albion.
But it seems those concerns were answered when Taylor revealed he could not turn West Brom down in his first interview with Albion.
In an interview with the Baggies on Thursday, 4 September, he said: “This is a massive opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down.”
“Once I heard about the interest, and once the move got the go-ahead, I was really keen to get things moving. I’m looking forward to joining up with the lads, helping out whatever way I can, and start playing regular football again.
“I’ve played against Albion a fair few times in the Premier League and in the Championship, and they’ve always been competitive games. It’s never an easy place to come, The Hawthorns.
“As a Championship team, Albion have always been up there at the top end. When interest comes up, it’s a hugely appealing club.
“I’ve been keeping a check on results this season. The team has started so well, going unbeaten. That was another positive when thinking about making the move, and something else that attracted me to the club.”
- Read more: Iling-Junior straight in, struggling star benched – West Brom’s best XI as transfer window closes
Charlie Taylor brings experience to West Brom
West Brom are close to a potential championship title charge this season, having gone unbeaten thus far.
But squad depth and experience will be key for the Baggies to compete consistently this season – something Taylor has in abundance.
His strengths include:
- One-on-one defending: Taylor is excellent when entering duels with attackers and stoping out attacks from the flanks
- Aerial ability: The left-back is strong in the air when contesting for duels but also scoring goals
- Versatility: As well as a fullback, Taylor has had shifts as a centre-back which could come in handy for the Baggies
His weaknesses include:
- Passing: As a forward, Taylor attempts to build attacks from passing out from the back and running up the flanks. The only issue is that he struggles with passing accuracy
- Anticipating movement: While he possesses strong one-on-one ability, he frequently mistimes his tackles conceeding fouls to the opposition
The positives of Taylor’s game outweigh the negatives. At 31 years of age, he has played for eight clubs, including Burnley and Southampton. With experience in the Premier League and Championship, he could turn out to be a smart signing.
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