West Bromwich Albion could be set to lose a quality player on loan…
What’s the word?
According to the Daily Mail, Alex Mowatt could oin Middlesborough on loan as a replacement for Marcus Tavernier.
Despite impressing for Valerian Ismael after signing on a free last summer, Steve Bruce has utilised the midfielder sparingly since taking over the club in February.
Talks are expected to advance this week, with the deal likely done soon.
He should be given a chance
Mowatt’s career has been one that promised much, having won young player of the season at Leeds United during the 2013/14 season, and then going on to win fans’ player and players’ player of the year awards in the 2014/15 season.
Since then, however, he has struggled to truly dominate and has admittedly had issues with his fitness at times.
Should Steve Bruce allow Alex Mowatt to leave on loan?
Last season he did manage to appear 34 times, enjoying a particularly strong start to the season, with three goals contributions in his first four games as West Brom went unbeaten in their first ten league matches.
However, intermittent spells out the side left him struggling for form, with Bruce eventually not including him in the squad for four of their final five league games.
He still finished the year with a respectable four goals and two assists, however, given a full season there is no denying that the 27-year-old could be a huge talent and prove to be an even bigger coup for the Baggies.
Once labelled “outstanding” by Neil Redfearn, the ceiling for this player was so high after his exceptional mature performances for Leeds. Now entering his prime years, perhaps this £6.5k-per-week star could finally shine if Bruce would only give him a chance.
During the 2020/21 season, where he captained Barnsley and appeared in 44 out of 46 Championship games, he recorded an impressive eight goals and seven assists as he led his side to the playoffs.
This proves what can happen when he is given faith, responsibility and a run in the side, and it seems a waste for a player of his talents to sit on the bench.
Bruce must swallow his pride and unleash Mowatt, as he might just help fire them back into the Premier League.
