Isaac Price slammed amid ‘poor’ scenes as Northern Ireland media react to West Brom star’s display
Isaac Price was unable to help Northern Ireland as they slumped to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovakia on Friday night.
Price has been good for Northern Ireland in recent times, and it’s only benefited West Brom in the Championship.
Mason knows that Price is West Brom’s best attacking threat. However, there is always a risk of injury when the star man departs for international duty.
West Brom are hopeful of gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2026, and the Baggies rely heavily on Price for goals and assists.
But Ryan Mason will hope that Price’s latest performance for Northern Ireland is not repeated when he returns to the West Midlands.
Isaac Price defended more than he attacked for Northern Ireland
Price can score goals out of nothing, and it would be no surprise to see him end the season as the Albion’s top scorer.
West Brom struggle to create an attacking threat without Price. So, perhaps the only positive from the midfielder’s performance against Slovakia is that he stayed injury-free.
- Price played 90 minutes
- He won 75% of his ground duels
- Price won 100% of his aerial duels
Slovakia had most of the ball with 62 per cent possession, and almost doubled Northern Ireland’s shot tally.
Price created no chances, with BBC Sport highlighting one the rare chances of his own as they wrote: “Isaac Price has a wild swing at the ball and it slices away from any danger.”
It seemed like Price’s main contribution in the game was in defensive actions, which will only add to West Brom’s woes.
Belfast Live gave Price a 7/10 rating, however, and said: “As honest as the day is long. Pressed relentlessly. Had good touches on the ball, too.”
As for the Belfast Telegraph, they gave him a 5/10 and said: “Early header failed to trouble [Martin] Dubravka and poked a low drive wide as the visitors did create chances. Struggled to get into game in both halves and some poor distribution.”
- Read more: Callum Styles makes stark admission on international duty that West Brom fans will agree with
West Brom are doomed without Price on good form
Price’s statistics for Northern Ireland are miles better than for West Brom, as the playmaker usually shines brightly for his country.
This time, Price has been subject to a poor team performance, which isn’t all his own fault, that may actually harm West Brom.
Mikey Johnston has been away with Ireland, and thankfully for Albion, his national team is performing well.
West Brom play league leaders Coventry City next in the Championship, and Mason needs everyone on top of their game.
Price has one more game left to play for Northern Ireland, and Mason will be watching closely for a good performance.
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