West Bromwich Albion is quite likely to make it into the Championship play-offs this year.
West Bromwich Albion’s performance this season has been commendable, despite being overshadowed by the dominant performances of Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Leicester City, and Southampton. While these four teams have garnered more attention, West Brom has quietly maintained a high standard of play.
Indeed, only these four sides have secured more victories than West Brom in the league. Additionally, boasting the third-best defensive record in the Championship further underscores the team’s solidity under manager Carlos Corberan. Consistently occupying the fourth spot for much of the season, West Brom currently enjoys an eight-point cushion over seventh-placed Coventry City in the playoff battle.
This strong performance is a testament to the collective effort and resilience of the team, positioning them favorably as they aim to secure a playoff spot and potentially advance to the Premier League.
Championship Table (As it stands April 2nd) | ||||
Team | P | GD | Pts | |
1 | Ipswich Town | 40 | 33 | 87 |
2 | Leeds United | 40 | 44 | 86 |
3 | Leicester City | 39 | 42 | 85 |
4 | Southampton | 38 | 25 | 74 |
5 | West Brom | 40 | 23 | 68 |
6 | Norwich City | 40 | 14 | 64 |
7 | Coventry City | 39 | 17 | 60 |
8 | Preston North End | 39 | -3 | 59 |
The Midlands side have been a very robust side this season, and one player who has been a key part of that defensive solidarity has been midfielder Alex Mowatt.
The 29-year-old has been very important for Corberan in this campaign, and given his contract situation, decisions will need to be made by both the player and the club.
Alex Mowatt’s contract situation at West Brom
Alex Mowatt’s journey at West Bromwich Albion began in 2021 when former manager Valerien Ismael brought him to the Hawthorns from Barnsley on a free transfer. Under Ismael’s guidance, Mowatt quickly established himself as a vital presence in the midfield, replicating the role he played at Oakwell.
However, Ismael’s departure from West Brom raised questions about Mowatt’s future at the club. In the summer of 2022, he was loaned out to Middlesbrough for the season. Despite helping Boro secure a place in the Championship playoffs, their failure to progress led to Mowatt’s return to West Brom with uncertainty surrounding his role.
Despite the financial constraints faced by West Brom and their limited ability to sign new players, manager Carlos Corberan opted to retain Mowatt, recognizing his importance to the team. Since his return, Mowatt has continued to be a pivotal figure in the midfield, playing a key role under Corberan’s guidance.
Mowatt’s initial three-year contract with West Brom is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, prompting discussions about his future at the club. As the end of the season approaches, decisions regarding Mowatt’s contract extension or potential departure will need to be made.
Alex Mowatt should not rush West Brom contract decision
Alex Mowatt’s resurgence at West Bromwich Albion under Carlos Corberan this season has been remarkable. Despite returning to the club last summer with uncertain prospects, Mowatt has become a pivotal figure in the team’s midfield.
While his goal-scoring output may have been lower than in previous seasons, Mowatt’s contribution to the team extends beyond scoring. His exceptional passing accuracy of 90% highlights his ability to retain possession and dictate play from midfield. Additionally, his role in creating scoring opportunities with four big chances created and five assists demonstrates his importance in the attacking phase.
Mowatt’s defensive contributions should not be overlooked either. His willingness to make tackles and his effectiveness in winning back possession in crucial areas of the pitch underline his all-round midfield capabilities.
Despite often flying under the radar, Mowatt’s consistent performances have played a significant role in West Brom’s league position. As he approaches the summer transfer window, Mowatt faces a crucial period in his career, where he must weigh his options carefully and decide on his future.
It’s understandable that Alex Mowatt faces a crucial decision regarding his future, especially considering his age and the potential impact of a new contract offer from West Bromwich Albion. As he approaches 30, this could indeed be his last opportunity to secure a significant contract.
Mowatt’s decision will likely be influenced by West Brom’s performance this season, particularly whether they achieve promotion to the Premier League. If the club succeeds in reaching the top flight, he may be inclined to extend his stay and sign a new contract, provided the terms are agreeable.
However, if West Brom fails to secure promotion, Mowatt may consider exploring other options both domestically and abroad. It’s essential for him to weigh the offers on the table and assess the opportunities available before making a decision.
Ultimately, Mowatt should take his time and not rush into any decision. Waiting until the end of the season will allow him to evaluate all options thoroughly and make the best choice for his career moving forward.
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