Ryan Mason has easy West Brom solution as international evidence to hide transfer failing
Ryan Mason has overseen a hugely bright start to the new season at West Brom.
The former Tottenham academy coach has only just entered his first permanent job in senior men’s football, but he is already leading his team like a seasoned managerial veteran in the early stages of the campaign.
Mason’s West Brom side are still unbeaten in the league, and there is quiet hope that a genuine push for the Premier League could be on the cards this term.
The 34-year-old has done an excellent job so far, but he looks set to have a big decision on his hands when his side returns to The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Callum Styles deserves midfield opportunity at West Brom
Callum Styles has been criticised at West Brom at times since his move from Barnsley back in 2024, but he may well have just shown the new boss another side to his game.
The former Sunderland man has largely had to play out of position at left-back since his switch to B71, and while he has done an admirable job on the left of the defence, he is a much more natural centre-midfielder.
After the impressive performance that he put in for Hungary on Saturday, Mason may now be inclined to try and restore the 25-year-old to his preferred role.
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances Created | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 79% (26/33) |
| Tackles Won | 1 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 67% (4/6) |
Styles was everywhere in his country’s clash away at Ireland in World Cup qualifying, as he showcased his typical tenacity along with some quality moments on the ball.
The Albion star set up his side’s opening goal and created three chances throughout the 90 minutes, a tally no one in the Hungary team could better.
He worked tirelessly without the ball, and made several key interventions in the middle of the park.
It was the kind of display that is likely to make a manager sit up and take notice, and with that in mind, Mason may have a big decision on his hands over the next week as to where he sees Styles as a player.
Callum Styles to cover for Harrison Armstrong failure
Harrison Armstrong could have joined West Brom on deadline day, only for the Baggies to fail with a last-minute approach for the Everton starlet.
That attempt is a clear indication that the lack of depth in the centre of midfield is still a slight area of concern in B71, which certainly opens the door for a solution to be found from within the group.
Styles’ performance for Hungary has surely shown Mason everything that he needs to know, in that he could be the perfect man to step into the midfield when needed.
Using Styles in the middle of the park on occasion would negate the potential need for Albion to dip into the free agent market, and the boss now has enough cover on the left of the defence to be able to do that.
International breaks can often be a source of frustration for club managers, but Mason may have just learned a great deal more about his squad.
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