Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 2 June 2026 16:00, UK

James Morrison has big decisions to make over the summer, as he sets up his West Bromwich Albion side for the first time as permanent boss.

After a 10-match unbeaten run heading into the final day, the former midfielder completed his assigned task of Championship safety in stunning fashion.

Thrust into the job in February, the remit was simple: steer the Baggies to safety.

He most certainly did that, with the common-sense approach and his ability to galvanise the group, seeing Albion recover from the spells of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

And as he plans for the coming term, the decisions surrounding Isaac Price and Callum Styles could be clear-cut.

Callum Styles and Isaac Price brought huge benefits to one another

Northern Ireland international Price joined in January 2025, slowly bedding in before exploding at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Styles made the switch from Barnsley in 2024 and has continued to prove a versatile asset under the guidance of multiple managers.

Following Morrison’s appointment in February, he would swiftly switch to a 4-4-2 formation.

Price, more of an attacking midfielder by trade, was shifted out to the left-hand side, which rejuvenated him after a poor spell following an electric start to the season.

With Styles at left back, the energetic pair worked well in tandem.

Price would drift inside and use his expertise in central zones to unlock defences, often as the spare man, thanks to the two-striker formation, meaning that both centre-backs were occupied.

Combined with the non-stop energy of Styles, Price was allowed to continue drifting, while the Hungarian international covered ground on the outside – an aspect of his game lauded since his time at Barnsley.

Ahead of the summer, there is some rebuilding to do at The Hawthorns, but the pair utilised on the left during the run-in simply must be the favourites to rekindle that spark next term.

How should James Morrison build around Isaac Price and Callum Styles?

Naturally, the idea of recency bias should be considered, given that the Baggies had simply failed to perform for three quarters of the season.

But Morrison was able to find a system that worked, and that is very much down to his understanding of the profiles in the squad.

Price and Styles work well because of their contrasting attributes, especially with the pair specialising in either foot.

For this to work squad-wide, the profiles will have to match up elsewhere, especially if Albion are going to be in the market for a right-sided midfielder and right-back.

Aune Heggebo would form a neat partnership with both Daryl Dike and Josh Maja up top, alongside the hailed pair of Price and Styles.

If the 4-4-2 is the way to go, these double-acts need to be in place all over the pitch, ensuring that the creative burden does not sit on the shoulders of West Brom’s left flank, no matter how talented they may be.