Ryan Mason has the new Jude Bellingham right under his nose at West Brom
West Brom could have the next Jude Bellingham right under their noses at The Hawthorns.
Ryan Mason is under a wave of scrutiny, with West Brom sitting 14th in the Championship table.
West Brom were among the favourites for promotion at the start of the season, but Mason’s insipid style of play has left fans wanting immediate change.
The Baggies lack creativity and incision in the midfield, and they are crying out for a consistent goalscoring threat other than Isaac Price.
However, West Brom have a superstar in the making in Austrian talent Souleyman Mandey, who could even be labelled as the next Bellingham.
Souleyman Mandey shows incredible talent for West Brom U21s
Mandey has shown incredible promise for the under-21s, now managed by Leigh Downing.
The Austrian midfielder has been playing up front in recent matches, as well as slightly deeper, scoring goals in three consecutive games.
Traditionally operating as a box-to-box midfielder, Mandey has been in electric form as a number nine, with Braintree Town, Reading U21s, and Borussia Monchengladbach on the receiving end of fine finishes.
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
| 2023-24 – U18s | 19 | 1 |
| 2023-24 – U21s | 8 | 0 |
| 2024-25 – U21s | 17 | 4 |
| 2025-26 – U21s | 12 | 3 |
Halfway through the 2023-24 season, Mandey was promoted to the U21 team as a 17-year-old, and it’s a huge sign of someone who’s playing well beyond their years.
His goals resemble Bellingham’s important contributions for Real Madrid and England, with it only being a matter of time before he makes the next step to Mason’s squad.
The clash against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the International Cup once again showcased his undeniable talent in front of goal, and there is certainly a bright future ahead for the 19-year-old.
Picking the ball up from just inside the box to beat a man and calmly slot home, it is exactly what Bellingham has become so good at doing for Dortmund and Real Madrid.
As Mandey continues to excel, he highlights an issue that the senior squad is experiencing under Mason.
What are West Brom are currently lacking in midfield?
It’s too early to say that Mandey should be involved in matchday squads under Mason, but his attacking runs are a key aspect that is currently missing for the Baggies.
Whilst Price has been a shining light for West Brom in behind the striker, there is a lack of dynamism from the defensive midfielders.
With their chance creativity at such a low, it feels unnecessary to have two midfielders sitting in front of the defence at all times.
It’s clear that a more attacking threat is needed from the midfield; otherwise, Mason’s time in B71 could be over sooner than expected.
Bellingham shot through the ranks at Birmingham at only 16, so the door is certainly open for players to make it in the Championship.
Could Mandey be that option? Only time will tell.
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