Ryan Mason must make key Harry Whitwell decision amid clear evidence away from West Brom
Harry Whitwell is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents at West Brom.
The Baggies have a crop of very talented youngsters making their way at The Hawthorns at present, and the attacking midfielder has already established himself as a player to keep an eye on in future years.
West Brom received significant interest in Whitwell during the summer transfer window, but they ultimately decided to send him out on loan to Forest Green Rovers.
The National League outfit have made a strong start to the new campaign, and that looks set to leave Ryan Mason with an important decision on his hands in January.
West Brom need to recall Harry Whitwell in January
West Brom fans were surprised when Whitwell moved to Forest Green, with many anticipating that the 19-year-old would be heading into the lower reaches of the EFL for his first loan spell.
He made his Championship debut for Albion in the 5-3 win over Luton Town on the final day of last season, and as a result, many were expecting him to spend time in either League One or League Two this term.
Instead, Whitwell has made a bright start to the campaign with Forest Green, who sit top of the National League table after 10 games.
| Stats | Whitwell Total |
| Minutes | 582 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Key Passes per game | 1.1 |
| Accurate passes per game | 24.8 (78%) |
| Balls Recovered per game | 8.4 |
| Duels Won per game | 7.2 (44%) |
The Baggies youngster has already become a key part of Robbie Savage’s side in Gloucestershire, having started in each of their last four league outings.
He is showing plenty of encouraging signs during his first loan spell away from B71, and that could present Mason with a key decision regarding his future in January.
It is currently unclear whether West Brom have the option to recall Whitwell, but if they do, then Mason and Co. must surely want to test him at League Two level in the second half of the season.
There is little difference between the two divisions in terms of quality, and with the starlet already performing well in the National League, he would undoubtedly be capable of slotting in well in the fourth tier.
- Read More: Robbie Savage reacts to Harry Whitwell display as West Brom loanee makes Forest Green Rovers debut
Harry Whitwell could move to Walsall in January
West Brom need to handle Whitwell carefully if he is to develop in the next few years, and they could play on some of the interest that they received in the summer in order to facilitate a higher move for him.
Fellow Black Country outfit Walsall were keen to sign him in the summer, and the Baggies should look towards the Saddlers as a potential option this winter.
If Mat Sadler’s side are still interested in taking Whitwell, then it would provide him with a step up in quality, whilst also allowing his parent club to easily keep track of his every move, given the proximity between the two clubs.
Walsall are also enjoying a successful season, and that would continue to allow Whitwell to play with confidence in a winning team.
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