Three West Brom winners who will benefit most from Eric Ramsay arrival at The Hawthorns
Eric Ramsay’s imminent West Brom arrival could help many stars make a dramatic turnaround at The Hawthorns.
West Brom sacked Ryan Mason on Tuesday after Shilen Patel watched the Baggies’ 2-1 defeat to Leicester City from the stands at the King Power Stadium the day prior.
Mason had the sack coming, but some have suggested that the 34-year-old was unlucky not to have picked up a result against the Foxes.
Nevertheless, West Brom are now closing in on the appointment of Ramsay from MLS side Minnesota United, and an announcement could be made on Friday.
With the Welshman looking likely to be the next man in the hot seat at The Hawthorns, West Brom News takes a look at three players who could be revitalised under Ramsay.
Callum Styles
Callum Styles has earned his plaudits this season, despite playing in various roles for Mason.
The Hungarian has been one of the Baggies’ main players so far, but his importance may only be heightened through Ramsay.
This is due to the 33-year-old’s preferred five at the back formation, which allows his wing-backs to have an expressive role in forward areas.
Minnesota’s Anthony Markanich was deployed as a left-wing back for Ramsay during the MLS campaign, which finished before Christmas, and put up insane numbers.
Anthony Markanich stats under Eric Ramsay during the 2024-25 MLS season:
- Games: 35
- Goals: 10
- Assists: One
Styles is known for his ability to bomb down the flanks and be a creative spark, and Ramsay may get the best out of the Baggies player with a tactical tweak.
But Styles isn’t the only West Brom man who will surely be given a new lease of life under Ramsay.
Josh Maja
Josh Maja has had to battle injury problems this season, and as a result, Aune Heggebo has taken the striker’s spot up top.
It’s easy for West Brom fans to forget, but Maja was not long ago one of the most lethal strikers in the Championship, with big clubs after the Nigerian’s signature.
It may be a blessing in disguise that Heggebo has found form while Maja has been out, because Ramsay could use both men to help the Albion climb back up the league table.
The former Manchester United first-team coach likes to play with a physical forward up front at all times, with his number nines finding the back of the net on a consistent basis.
Alfie Gilchrist
Alfie Gilchrist suffered under Mason, similarly to Maja, but there was no reason for the former Baggies boss not to play him.
West Brom brought Gilchrist from Chelsea on a permanent deal in the summer, and he has only managed to play seven times in the Championship.
The 22-year-old has versatility on his side, as his capability to play both centre-back and right-back will give his potential new head coach two ideas on how to play him.
Although Ramsay prefers wing-backs, it would be no surprise to see Gilchrist play out wide on the right, but with a defensive role, while Styles is given the license to attack.
But more Albion players may catch the eye of Ramsay in training, as exciting times lie ahead at The Hawthorns.