West Bromwich Albion ended last season as the oldest squad in the Premier League and in terms of numbers, they were one of the smallest, too. Never a club to spend beyond its means, West Brom are often left chasing a bargain and hoovering up a free agent or two at the close of the transfer window.
With local media reporting that Tony Pulis has been given just £40m to bolster his rapidly ageing squad, it seems highly likely that some of his younger talents may be required to play a bigger part than possibly expected. Here are three youngsters who will be looking to break out.
3 West Brom Youngsters Who Could Be Key
Jonathan Leko
A pacey winger who loves to run at defenders. Leko made 9 Premier League appearances last season, all of which as a substitute. Ending the season with no goals and a solitary assist. Seemingly untrusted by Pulis after a high profile mistake at The Hawthorns against Crystal Palace leading to a goal conceded. Leko will be looking to add maturity to his game in the hope of breaking into the West Brom first team.
Sam Field
A Tony Pulis type of player if ever there was one, deep midfielder steadily going about his business. Field spent last season learning from the vastly experienced Darren Fletcher and it shows. Making 8 Premier League appearances, 4 of those in the starting line-up and boasting an official Premier League statistic of 100% tackle success. Field is possibly Albion’s most promising youngster.
Tyler Roberts
Spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury Town. Roberts showed a keen eye for goal, scoring four goals in 13 appearances also adding a handful of assists. No question the Premier League is a monumental step up from League One but with Tony Pulis speaking publicly about keeping a keen eye on the young Welshman when the Baggies head to Austria next week. Roberts has a huge pre season ahead of him as he looks to take advantage of Pulis’ dwindling attacking options.
