Mikey Johnston’s elite stat proves why he’s Ryan Mason’s key man at West Brom
Ryan Mason got West Brom back to winning ways against Preston on Saturday.
West Brom beat Preston 2-1 in the Championship, as the Baggies have put themselves up to fifth in the table ahead of the next round of midweek fixtures.
Mason’s team selection against Preston was questioned, but it turned out to be the right one in the end as the Black Country Club walked away with three points thanks to stunning goals from Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price.
Johnston had another fantastic game for Albion, and after only seven starts, his data is reading as vital for West Brom‘s promotion push this season.
Mikey Johnston’s dribble success rate is outrageous
Johnston’s performance against Preston was hailed, as it now looks like the winger might be getting back to his best at The Hawthorns.
He’s now registered five goal contributions for the season, and looks to be only getting better and better.
Johnston’s dribbling success rate of 58.1 per cent is so good that it blows Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior’s rate of 42.9 per cent out of the water, according to stats provided by Sofascore.
| Matches (starts) | Goals | Assists | Successful dribbles per game | Key passes per game | Accurate crosses per game | Big chances created | Average rating |
| 9 (7) | 2 | 3 | 2.0 (58.1%) | 1.6 | 1.1 | 3 | 7.38 |
When on the ball, Johnston is always looking to get at opposition players, and is proving a nightmare for full-backs to defend.
He can go left or right with both feet and be just as dangerous, making him one of Mason‘s biggest weapons at West Brom.
However, Karlan Grant has come back from injury, and he could, strangely enough, get even more out of Johnston.
Karlan Grant will free up attacking spaces for Johnston
Grant will provide competition for Johnston on the left flank, but both are just as versatile as one another.
With the return of Grant, Mason could look to use both him and Johnston on either flank.
As seen previously, when Johnston is at the top of his game, the opposition becomes more wary of him. However, Grant could be key in taking the load off Johnston.
Both should be seen as integral to any success that Albion achieve this season, and Mason needs to hope that Johnston can keep his form up when West Brom play Watford on Wednesday night.
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