Don Goodman emphasizes the pressing need for West Brom to secure a proficient striker during the upcoming summer transfer window, irrespective of their league status. The team has faced challenges, particularly due to injuries sidelining Daryl Dike and Josh Maja, leaving Brandon Thomas-Asante to carry much of the attacking burden. Although Thomas-Asante has contributed a respectable 11 goals, his absence in a recent match against Leicester City due to suspension highlighted the team’s dependency on him.
During that match, with Jed Wallace leading the attack, West Brom squandered several opportunities and suffered a 2-1 defeat. Goodman underscores the necessity for reinforcements in the striker position, acknowledging the team’s consistent ability to create scoring chances.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of West Brom’s recent performance, Goodman believes that strengthening the squad with a predatory striker would significantly enhance their prospects, particularly in converting chances into goals. Despite the team’s struggles with injuries and missed opportunities, Goodman remains optimistic about their chances of securing a top-six finish. However, he stresses the importance of maintaining such high performance levels, especially in the playoffs.
Looking ahead, while Thomas-Asante has been commendable in his contributions, his goals-per-minute ratio falls below expectations for a key player in a top-six side. The team’s reliance on him underscores the need for additional options, especially given Dike’s recurring injuries and Maja’s limited playing time.
Although Thomas-Asante will continue to play a crucial role upon his return from suspension, the club faces uncertainty regarding player fitness and potential promotion. Should West Brom secure promotion, acquiring another striker becomes imperative. In the interim, the focus remains on maximizing Thomas-Asante’s impact and potentially bolstering the squad to ensure competitiveness in the upcoming matches.
