da pinnacle： The majority of transfer talk surrounding the Hawthorns last month was naturally centred around a certain want-away forward.
da spicy bet： Yes, Saido Berahino again dominated back pages throughout the window and again remained a Baggie despite serious interest in him.
So, it’s easy to forget that West Brom were actually in the market themselves. Tony Pulis drafted in beefy Brazilian bruiser Sandro on loan from QPR, as well as Alex Pritchard from Spurs in a similar deal.
Not exactly blockbuster stuff, but the understated approach has always suited Pulis throughout his career, so why change now? Well, it’s not all plain sailing in the Midlands right now, with the club looking increasingly likely to be dragged into the relegation scrap. While their current standing is no doubt envious to those battling below, perhaps the club could have done more in the way of drafting in reinforcements.
Plenty were linked, as ever in the transfer window.
So, here’s the end of January dream XI West Brom could have had…
BEN FOSTER
Ever since Ben Foster returned from injury, the former Manchester United stopper has proved what a top class custodian he is.
While he’s been overshadowed somewhat by the return of Fraser Forster at Southampton, as well as the emergence of Jack Butland, he remains a high class understudy for Joe Hart with England.
His expertise and experience will be crucial in keeping his side’s head above the water.
MATHIEU DEBUCHY
West Brom were one of many, many clubs to be linked with making a move for Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy.
Though he ultimately moved to Bordeaux, the 30-year old would have been a good fit at the Hawthorns. Pulis has largely deployed four centre-backs across the defence, giving the side a solid but flat look.
The Frenchman is a stout defender, though his pace breaking up and down the wing could have give the side an extra outlet.
JONNY EVANS
Jonny Evans is excelling as the lynchpin of a defence since making the move from Manchester United. Only know is the Northern Irishman getting the full credit he deserves as a centre-back.
GARETH MCAULEY
A rock at the heart of defence next to his international colleague, Gareth McAuley is consistently solid. By no means a long term option at 36 years of age, but retains enough quality in his reading of the game.
CHRIS BRUNT
Chris Brunt isn’t a natural left-back, though is improving in his defensive ability. There’s no better coach than Pulis to drill that into the Northern Ireland international.
His expert delivery and pace makes him a real threat going forward.
MATT PHILLIPS
Like Charlie Austin, up until Southampton swooped for him, it’s hard to believe former QPR teammate Matt Phillips is still plying his trade in England’s second tier.
While a reported £10m asking price is no doubt a tad pricey, the Scottish international was one of the Rs’ bright spots during their miserable spell in the Premier League.
A flying winger, the solidity of the back four and central midfield would afford the 24-year old many opportunities to get forward.
DARREN FLETCHER
Darren Fletcher’s recovery from illness is a sensational story. The Scot has found the sort of form that made him so crucial to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side for many years.
A trusty lieutenant for Pulis, the 32-year old is a leader in the middle of the park and keeps the side grounded.
SANDRO
Sandro has arrived from QPR with a point to prove. While at Spurs, the Brazilian bruiser was one of the most commanding presences in the Premier League, though his form soon tailed off.
If he can rediscover his form at the Hawthorns, the Selecao international is a force to be reckoned with, especially paired next to the more reserved Fletcher.
His surging runs forward, mixed with terrier like obsession with reclaiming possession, could reignite an engine room that can on occasion look rather flat.
JAMES McCLEAN
James McClean quite often does his best to alienate pretty much everyone with his rather unsavoury antics, though few can doubt his ability.
A grafter on the left wing, the former Wigan also provides real quality going forward and rarely ever gives less than 110%.
SAIDO BERAHINO
Ok, it’s time to actually talk about what Saido Berahino can do for his current club, rather than wax poetic about how he would fit in elsewhere.
The 22-year old is electric when in full flow. His clever movement finds space not visible to the untrained and possesses a natural poacher’s instinct.
The failed moves away have seriously impacted his form, but if he can focus on the Baggies for just a few more months, he can be crucial in the relegation scrap.
RICKIE LAMBERT
Rickie Lambert just hasn’t been the same ever since the dream move to Liverpool turned sour. However, pairing the former England international alongside Berahino can yield a very effective partnership.
Solomon Rondon could have rescued a point for the side in the crunch tie with Newcastle over the weekend, though his pass to free Berahino was shocking.
Lambert, however, provides real quality on the ball. Creating space and acting as the target man, he can produce magic. Perhaps not the biggest name, but the