How has Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba performed so far for West Brom? Stats suggest breakthrough nears
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s unexpected return to West Brom caught many by surprise, but it could turn out to be a huge signing when it’s all said and done.
The Baggies are trying to stay in the Championship with Eric Ramsay struggling for results and an attacking formula.
Albion are now sitting in 21st place in the league, and face their toughest challenge to date with a clash against top of the table Coventry City looming on Saturday.
However, Jimoh-Aloba could be Ramsay’s best attacking outlet going into the game, as Frank Lampard only has a small data sample to combat the winger’s powers.
- Read more: Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba reveals admiration for West Brom promotion-winner in fascinating confession
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s breakthrough is coming, watch this space
Jimoh-Aloba has so far played in three games for the Albion since returning to The Hawthorns, with his most recent appearance coming off the bench in West Brom‘s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Norwich City.
But Ramsay’s decision to start the Aston Villa loanee on the bench at Carrow Road may suggest that he is once again in line to start this weekend.
As highlighted by Sofascore, Jimoh-Aloba has averaged a 6.75 rating from his first two league appearances, which will have been negatively affected by results.
But the key readings are what he’s positively done in the final third already, despite only just joining. The 19-year-old averages 2.73 fouls won per game, showing his ability to win free kicks high up the field for the Baggies.
This is vital, as one of the ways that West Brom only seem to score under Ramsay is through set plays. Not only that, but the teenager is getting his shots off regularly, while completing 1.36 dribbles per game despite having only played 132 league minutes so far.
Jimoh-Aloba played as many games for Albion as he did for Villa this season, and will be hoping to go from strength to strength in the games coming up.
- Read more: Why Jay Dasilva is Coventry City’s biggest flaw as West Brom have route to first Eric Ramsay win
Who is the biggest loser from Jimoh-Aloba’s emergence?
Jed Wallace could see a decreased amount of playing time at The Hawthorns due to Jimoh-Aloba’s performances, not because he is replacing his position, but the knock-on effect that he is causing.
Ramsay likes to play Jimoh-Aloba on the left flank, meaning room is needed for Mikey Johnston on the right, where Wallace usually plays.
- Johnston has the most assists in the Championship with nine
- He creates 2.16 chances per game
- Wallace only manages to create 1.36 chances per 90
It all depends if Johnston can find his feet again for the Baggies, and we’ve seen before that the forward can overcome rough patches.
This means that Wallace’s time at the Baggies could fizzle out to a sad end, despite him scoring on Ramsay’s first game in charge.
However, playing the veteran off the bench could actually be the best play, but time will tell.
For more West Brom news, follow Football Insider for the latest updates and statistical pieces on The Hawthorns side.