Irish media reacts to Jayson Molumby's display as West Brom ace stars vs Kosovo
West Brom star Jayson Molumby had a brilliant night despite Republic of Ireland's 1-0 loss to Kosovo.
The Baggies midfielder started the UEFA Nations League B group contest at Fadil Vokrri Stadium on Thursday.
He could not prevent his nation from falling to defeat to the country that are ranked 77th in FIFA's World rankings.
The 27-year-old has played eight times for Albion in the Championship, starting the last three matches for James Morrison's side.
Molumby has been in great form for the Black Country side so far this season, and he continued that on the international stage.
He was one of Heimir Hallgrimsson's side's best players, impressing away from The Hawthorns.
Why the Irish media were waxing lyrical about West Brom's Jayson Molumby despite loss
The Irish media were full of praise for Molumby despite the underwhelming defeat.
Irish outlet Extra.ie handed the Albion ace a nine out of 10 rating, saying: “Was absolutely everywhere in Pristina, saved Ireland’s bacon a couple of times as well. Superb display.”
The next best was the Irish Mirror who gave him a seven, saying: “Produced a sensational goal-line block in the first-half and one of Ireland’s better players throughout.”
Balls.ie also handed him a seven, saying: “Molumby was disciplined both in and out of possession in the middle third. He made a miraculous goal line clearance to stop Kosovo taking the lead just before the half hour mark.
“The West Brom man worked tirelessly through and put in a huge shift. Probably the team’s best player on the night”
RTE were more critical, with a five rating, saying: “He made a sensational clearance off the line 27 minutes into the game which would have left Muriqi questioning why he hadn’t put Kosovo ahead. Later in the game he brilliantly intercepted a Kosovan attack and sent Ireland on the counter. He got the first yellow card of the match which meant he had to play more cautiously for the final half an hour.”
The media have revealed their verdict, but what do the stats say about Molumby's showing?
What does the data say about Molumby's display?
The data backs up what the media said about the Albion star, he was excellent.
He recorded 70 touches in the clash, completing 92 per cent of his 50 pass attempts, according to FotMob.
Molumby made seven passes into the final third and completed two of three long pass attempts, for a 67 per cent success rate
Defensively, he made eight contributions, with one tackle, one goal-line clearance, two headed clearances, four blocks and one interception.
He also made six recoveries and was only dribbled past once against the Dardanians.
The only disappointing aspect of his showing was ground duels, as he won just four of 11, for a 36 per cent success rate.
Morrison will hope he can bring that form back to B71 and does not return with an injury issue when the break is over.
There is still three games left to play, so it is not guaranteed that either of those things happen with two games against Israel and a clash with Austria coming up.