Callum Styles should be first name on West Brom teamsheet for Bristol City clash
Callum Styles must be the first name on West Brom’s teamsheet for their clash with Bristol City on Saturday.
The Baggies travel to Ashton Gate looking to continue their momentum from the 3-0 victory over Hull City last time out.
Styles was excellent in that contest, and James Morrison must take notice and reward him with a start against the Robins.
The clash with Gerhard Struber’s side is vital to Albion’s survival hopes, as they sit just one point above the relegation zone.
West Brom need another victory, and Styles could be the key after his showing against the Tigers at The Hawthorns on 14 March.
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How did Styles perform in West Brom’s win over Hull
Styles hit the post with a left-footed effort in the 80th minute of the clash with Hull, and he was encouraging throughout.
He completed 84 per cent of his passes, misplacing just nine attempts, and he tried to find teammates with 13 crosses, although just two were successful, per Sofascore.
The Hungary international took 88 touches in the clash, losing possession 23 times as he tried to take his side forward.
He made 23 carries, for a total distance of 245.6m, showing that he was constantly attempting to get his side into promising positions.
Defensively, he made one interception, one clearance and four recoveries, and only committed one foul on the opposition.
In terms of duels, he won four of the eight that he contested across the ground and the air for a 50 per cent success rate.
- Read More: West Brom: Sam Parkin shares Bristol City ‘reality’ as Albion backed for rarity on travels
Why Styles must be first name on teamsheet for West Brom
Initially, Styles’ numbers may not look that impressive, but when you dig into them, it shows a player who is determined to get his side up the pitch and try to create chances.
That is something which the Throstles have lacked in recent months, and is a key part of why they are in a relegation dogfight.
| Stats | Styles |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 27 |
| Ground duels won | 55.8% |
| Aerial duels won | 59.2% |
Styles should be one of the first names on the sheet, if not the very first, as he clearly has what it takes to try and get the side out of the trouble that they are in.
He also has the willingness to still get back and defend too, rather than trying to camp in the other half and get caught out being reckless.
The 25-year-old will be a vital asset to Morrison going forward, that is for sure.
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