West Brom goalkeeper Max O'Leary and West Brom manager James Morrison

Max O'Leary and James MorrisonImago

Max O'Leary among three West Brom players whose stock has risen this season

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Published on:

26 Sep 2026, 6:00 am

West Bromwich Albion went into the international break on the back of a disappointing derby defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Fer Lopez scored the only goal of the game at Molineux, capitalising on Nat Phillips' error to seal a 1-0 win.

While it was a disappointing day for the Baggies, it doesn't detract from the fact they have had a promising start to the campaign.

James Morrison did a fine rescue job last season, and his team are fifth in the table this time around, just three points off top spot.

There have been several top performers for the Baggies in the opening stages of the season.

And here, West Brom News looks at three players who have seen their stock rise in the opening months of the campaign.

Max O'Leary

Max O'Leary's trajectory has mirrored West Brom's ever since he moved to The Hawthorns in January 2026.

Initially, the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper struggled in a team that was badly out of form.

There was a noticeable upturn when Morrison was named interim boss, though, and this term there is a case that could be made to say O'Leary has been Albion's best player.

O'Leary has an outstanding goals prevented rate of 6.2 this season, comfortably the best in the division, while his save percentage of 77.1 per cent is the third highest in the Championship.

West Brom player ratings vs Wolves: Max O'Leary incredible but 1/10 teammate lets everyone down

Jimmy- Jay Morgan

Jimmy-Jay Morgan scored 14 goals in all competitions for Peterborough United during a loan spell last season.

The Baggies then agreed a £4million package with Chelsea to sign Morgan in the summer, with much of that based on performance and club-related add-ons.

Not many expected Morgan to have the impact he has early doors at The Hawthorns, but he has been a fantastic signing.

He has five goals in all competitions to his name already, and there is hope that Albion have landed on a real bargain in the 20-year-old.

Harry Whitwell

Harry Whitwell has long-since been considered a talent for the future at Albion.

But not many would have expected him to be such an integral part of the team this season, considering he had time on loan at Forest Green Rovers last term.

Indeed, back in pre-season, Whitwell alluded to the fact that he might have to go on loan.

However, Whitwell has been a regular in Morrison's starting XI this season and has looked extremeley assurred in the team.

Jimmy Jay Morgan