(Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung)

Josh Edwards

Thu 9 April 2026 7:00, UK

Alfie Maughan is making a strong case for himself to be part of West Bromwich Albion‘s senior set-up in the near future.

With relegation fears still prudent, James Morrison is highly unlikely to take the risk with any of Albion’s youth players, but many will be on his radar already.

Eseosa Sule has shone in the Premier League 2 this season, but very little attention has been paid to Maughan’s performances.

The 17-year-old started again for West Brom as they fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Arsenal, but his display sparked even more encouragement.

And if that continues, Morrison will not be able to ignore Maughan for too much longer.

Alfie Maughan’s game vs Arsenal by numbers

Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat, West Brom fared well against the Gunners and probably deserved a lot more than they got from the game.

They had more possession, more shots, more shots on target and more big chances, but the crucial metric was that they also missed more of their big chances.

And Maughan was responsible for creating many of them.

The teenager created a remarkable five chances against Arsenal, which was the most of anyone on the pitch, having also completed seven of his 14 attempted crosses in the game.

He won both of his ground duels while also ensuring that no Arsenal player dribbled past him throughout the entire game.

His strengths are undoubtedly in attack, which could be of use to West Brom.

How likely are we to see Maughan in the Championship?

As of right now, it’s still unlikely.

Not because he doesn’t deserve the chance, but as mentioned above, Morrison has plenty to lose by throwing a 17-year-old in the depths of a relegation battle.

Nevertheless, if West Brom can secure safety with games to spare, then Maughan may well be one of the first players to get a chance to showcase his worth at senior level.