The pivotal balance James Morrison must strike at West Brom after latest Hawthorns setback
Mikey Johnston’s injury has driven a major stake through the hearts of many West Brom fans.
The winger has been undeniably Albion’s biggest attacking threat in a season where they have shown so little quality in the final third.
Now with the Baggies lingering above the Championship‘s relegation spots, they will have to find a way to cope without him, and quickly.
James Morrison could opt for formation changes and big team selection switches over the next couple of weeks, but he simply has to find balance in one key area with time running out.
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James Morrison needs to find perfect blend of youth and experience
Johnston’s injury provides a chance for youngsters like Harry Whitwell and Oli Bostock to step in and become a West Brom hero from now until the end of the season, which is more than possible.
What the pair, among other talented stars at The Hawthorns, offer is an element of fearlessness. Morrison, being a young coach himself, will likely be inclined to give youth talent a chance in the coming weeks.
The crucial part about it is that he needs to utilise them, because experience alone isn’t going to get the job done for Albion.
The short-term future of the Baggies is the most important thing, of course, but regardless of the division that they find themselves in next season, having youngsters break onto the scene is crucial for more reasons than one.
With that being said, there is an efficient balance that Morrison can now find at West Brom; he just needs to come to his senses sooner rather than later.
Why the door is open for young West Brom attackers to shine
The Baggies are struggling all over the place right now, from defence to attack. But if you were to ask supporters which area of the pitch they felt most comfortable with, they’d say anything but the final third.
Historically, it’s always easier for young attackers to have breakthroughs rather than defenders. Just consider Danny Imray’s age and how he has performed defensively at The Hawthorns, despite being hailed for his time with Blackpool this season.
| Games | 3 |
| Shots | 45 |
| xG | 3.60 |
| Goals scored | 2 |
The likes of Bostock, Whitwell, and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba are there to be used for the run-in, and they are genuine upgrades on what Albion have in terms of firing forwards at the moment.
The Baggies need to be fearless to unlock defences, and whatever it is their doing right now, it’s not working.
Morrison can’t play it safe, and he has to use calculated gambles now.
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