Krystian Bielik gives West Brom a glimmer of hope as exploits vs Norwich City revealed
West Brom fans haven’t had much to shout about recently, but keeping Krystian Bielik fit could be something that lifts spirits at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies fell to a 3-1 away defeat to Norwich City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, as there wasn’t much for Eric Ramsay to take from the game.
Albion did see a slight improvement in Josh Maja, who, on a different day, could have had a hat-trick.
But one man who will have left Carrow Road with his head held high will be Bielik, despite seeing a lack of minutes in recent weeks due to fitness worries.
Now, West Brom will be hoping to keep the Polishman fit ahead of a vital period of Championship fixtures.
Krystian Bielik was best West Brom defender vs Norwich
Bielik has had his injury issues at The Hawthorns, but there is no doubt that he is a reliable Championship player when fit for the Baggies.
Ramsay withdrew the versatile defender in the 78th minute of the Norwich game as a potential injury precaution, and everyone from a West Brom perspective will be hoping it’s nothing to worry about.
That’s because Bielik was Albion’s best defender against the Canaries at the weekend.
| Minutes | 78 |
| Aerial duels (won) | 3 (2) |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Long balls (accurate) | 3 (3) |
| Clearances | 9 |
| Tackles won | 100% |
| Rating | 7.1 |
As highlighted by Sofascore in the table above, Bielik managed to grab a 7.1 rating despite his side conceding three goals. The scoreline was only 1-1 when the 28-year-old went off, and it’s no surprise that the floodgates were opened after his withdrawal.
Bielik showed signs of his defensive nous, but more importantly, his ability to play in Ramsay’s direct offensive playstyle. The ex-Birmingham man is capable of playing in midfield, and his 100 per cent long ball rate showed exactly why he could be perfect under the West Brom boss.
He also displayed his footballing IQ with two interceptions while winning 100 per cent of his attempted tackles.
Given West Brom’s defensive and overall woes of late, keeping Bielik fit could be the best thing to happen to them all season.
- Read more: Danny Imray labelled ‘worst signing of window’ after what happened in West Brom vs Norwich City
Bielik’s best position is now centre-back; here’s why
Ramsay’s start to life at The Hawthorns almost got off to a positive start, before Middlesbrough scored a late winner in his first game in charge of the Baggies.
The former Manchester United first-team coach deployed Bielik as a midfielder in this game, as well as in the embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Norwich at The Hawthorns.
- Bielik has started eight league games this campaign
- He has racked up 716 playing minutes
Bielik’s injuries have made him lose the vital pace that is required to perform week in week out in the Championship, though his footballing brain is still improving.
That’s why shifting him to the backline could be a masterstroke for Ramsay, and especially for the way he wants to play.
Bielik will be able to see more of the pitch in front of him, run less, and instruct teammates to form protective cover in midfield. Given his performance at the weekend, this seems like the way forward.
For more expert analysis on West Brom in their bid to stay in the Championship, check out Football Insider’s website.