Ryan Mason has perfect West Brom replacement for Jayson Molumby, it’s not Ousmane Diakite
Ryan Mason has a versatile West Brom player who can fill Jayson Molumby’s role for the time being.
Molumby’s injury has West Brom staggered ahead of a vital clash against Sheffield Wednesday, which takes place on Saturday at The Hawthorns.
West Brom lost 1-0 to Ipswich last time out in the Championship, which has taken the Baggies to three losses in their last five games in the league.
Despite the Owls now being in administration, they will be up for the fight more than ever to lift their current tally of minus six points.
That’s why Albion need to be at the top of their game, and Mason has an option to use one player other than Ousmane Diakite to fill the void of Molumby.
Callum Styles can play in the Jayson Molumby role
Diakite is predicted to start against Sheffield Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean Mason won’t test the waters with someone else in defensive midfield.
Callum Styles is available for West Brom and has played in defensive midfield plenty of times before in his career.
On West Brom’s official club site, Styles is listed as a midfielder and is known for his versatility.
- Styles has played mainly at left-back for Albion
- He has played defensive midfield for his national team, Hungary
- Styles has barely featured in midfield for West Brom
At his previous clubs in Barnsley and Sunderland, Styles thrived as a defensive midfielder, showing the capabilities of someone who can do the all-round work, like Molumby.
Against Ipswich, Charlie Taylor started at left-back with Styles on the bench, and Mason may look to improvise to use both players against the Owls.
How does Styles’ playstyle fit the role for West Brom?
Given the situation at Sheffield Wednesday, and Saturday’s game being played at The Hawthorns, Mason really needs to have West Brom pushing for the first goal early.
Styles is, by nature, a creative player, and having him that little bit further up the field will aid the Black Country Club in attack.
It’s also the safest opponent to experiment and find the balance that works for Mason, as Styles is emerging as a genuine option for Saturday.
Mason has been criticised for key decisions, but could make himself look like a genius if he made this one.
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