George Campbell proved West Brom point vs Sheffield United – here’s why
West Brom’s winless run continued against Sheffield United, but Albion did salvage a precious point.
It wasn’t the three points James Morrison‘s men desperately needed, but West Brom were able to stay out of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.
George Campbell‘s own goal gave Chris Wilder’s side the lead after 53 minutes, but the American would go from villain to hero with seven minutes to play.
Indeed, his rocket of a strike from outside the box was good enough to win any game of football, but on this occasion, it was only enough to rescue a point for the Baggies.
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George Campbell was quality despite own goal v Sheffield United
Signed as part of West Brom’s defensive rebuild in the summer, Campbell has enjoyed an up and down debut season at The Hawthorns.
Injuries have forced the 24-year-old to spend a considerable amount of games playing out of position at right-back, and he’s largely played well there given that he’s not a natural in that position.
However, Sheffield United saw him revert to his traditional centre-back role, and aside from his own goal moment, Campbell put in a superb performance at the heart of the Albion backline.
As per Sofascore, Campbell made 15 defensive contributions, won 100 per cent of his tackles and made 11 clearances against the Blades.
He also made eight recoveries, took 50 touches with only one being unsuccessful, made 11 carries with the ball and wasn’t dribbled past once.
It was the kind of performance that reaffirmed that he is indeed best operating in central defence, and if Albion are able to keep him there for the remainder of the season, that could be huge for them.
Danny Imray showing offers Campbell centre-back promise
Campbell wasn’t the only defender who played well for West Brom against Sheffield United, as Danny Imray put in probably his best performance in an Albion shirt so far.
The Crystal Palace loanee hasn’t enjoyed a great time of it B71 since arriving late in the winter window, but at right-back for the Baggies at Bramall Lane, he was excellent.
If the 22-year-old is able to put in more showings like that between now and the end of the season, that should enable Campbell to continue operating in central defence.
As such, Imray’s role in Albion’s Championship relegation battle is actually a massive one, as him proving to Morrison that he can be the man at right-back, then the knock-on effect that can have for Campbell and the defensive unit would be massive.
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