Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

James Barker

Tue 7 April 2026 12:00, UK

Charlie Taylor put in a strong performance for West Bromwich Albion against Blackburn, in what was his first start since 28 February.

The 32-year-old defender joined West Brom on a season-long loan deal from Southampton in this season’s summer transfer window, bolstering the experience levels in Albion’s ranks.

However, the former Burnley and Leeds United man hasn’t been able to consistently hold down a starting role at The Hawthorns this term, with runs of games here and there where he’s in, only to then drop out for a few.

As such, heading into Easter Monday’s big relegation clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park, Taylor hadn’t started for the Baggies since the 2-1 defeat to Oxford United on 28 February.

His name, then, was a bit of a surprise inclusion by James Morrison for the Blackburn match, but the veteran campaigner rewarded the faith placed in him by the Albion boss.

What did the stats say about Charlie Taylor’s Blackburn display?

Taylor received heavy criticism for his Oxford performance back in February, having put in a poor performance when operating in central defence at the Kassam Stadium that day.

In fairness to him, that’s not his natural position whereas left-back is, and that’s where he was deployed against Blackburn.

Morrison pushed Callum Styles into midfield to replace Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who had a particularly poor game against Wrexham last time out, and brought Taylor into the left-back spot as a result.

It worked a treat too, as Albion had more possession with 56 per cent to Rovers’ 44, and the away side didn’t give up a single shot on target.

With West Brom deploying in a 4-4-2 and Blackburn setting up with three at the back flanked by wing-backs, Taylor had a tricky assignment on his hands dealing with the dangerous Ryan Alebiosu.

However, as the numbers show via Sofascore, it was the Albion defender who won the battle down that flank.

He won his only tackle attempt and aerial duel, made three recoveries, was dribbled past only once and made three clearances too.

Taylor also completed 86 per cent of his passes, whilst also posting a 95 per cent pass success rate inside his own half, whilst also taking 57 touches and making 14 carries with the ball.

Morrison has his formula down the left with Taylor and Styles

As aforementioned, Morrison went with Styles on the left wing with Taylor behind him at left-back as his combination down that side against Blackburn, and that’s where his side looked strongest.

Styles is one of West Brom’s best and most reliable players, who would play anywhere his head coach told him to and still put in a good performance.

Jimoh-Aloba, whilst clearly having ability and potential, perhaps isn’t quite ready to show that on a consistent basis in the Championship, and right now, the Baggies can’t afford to be carrying passengers in games.

Therefore, combining Taylor’s experience and nous with Styles’ class and reliability ahead of him looks like a recipe for success for Morrison, and he should stick with that for the rest of the way.