Ryan Mason slammed for ‘baffling’ decision in awful West Brom defeat to Millwall
West Brom's 3-0 defeat to Millwall on Saturday has sparked fan outrage online.
Things were looking up after West Brom beat Norwich 1-0 on Wednesday, but Ryan Mason's side failed to go into the international break on a positive note after losing to Millwall.
Questions are now being raised over the young coach's tactical approach as one decision in particular has left fans baffled.
Ryan Mason still overlooking clear West Brom solution in Alfie Gilchrist
Mason has persisted with George Campbell at right-back. USMNT defender Campbell is naturally a centre-back, but Mason has insisted on playing him at right-back ahead of former Chelsea man Alfie Gilchrist.
The decision has left fans puzzled on multiple occasions as Campbell has failed to perform in numerous games, with Gilchrist yet to make his first start.
Albion fans have taken to X to vent their frustrations.
West Brom fans on X:
- @Throstle123 - "Do we not have a RB in Gilchrist?"
- @griffraces - "He's played there in the prem for Chelsea. 30 games there for Sheff Utd last season. Baffling he can't get in."
- @melon_harrison - "I presume he isn't fully fit. This makeshift backline isn't it for me, Campbell is a cb and at rb he looks so so lost."
Chelsea fans rated Gilchrist highly and were sad to see the young Englishman leave.
Chelsea fans reacting to Alfie Gilchrist's departure on X:
- @0xSweep - "Congratulations to him, at least he will get more playing time."
- @Bitcojner - "Future captain of England, this lad."
- @south_southBoy - "We won’t forget that Luton game clearance"
At this point, Gilchrist can't do much worse than Campbell, and Mason simply has to switch things up if he wants his side to get back in the winning column.
Gilchrist already has such a high reputation at a young age, playing for Chelsea several times, and even scoring for one of the biggest teams in England.
Gilchrist needs to start for West Brom vs Preston North End
Gilchrist has featured on Mason's bench five times this season, only making his debut against Norwich, where he managed just five minutes.
Fans are rightly questioning whether he is carrying an injury or not, as he impressed for Sheffield United in the Championship last season, helping the Blades to the play-off final.
Gilchrist signed for Albion permanently, and until this point, it has been confusing as to why a former youth coach in Mason has yet to put his trust in such a talented young player.
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