Why Semi Ajayi Has Emerged As The Most Important Player For Promotion Hopefuls West Brom

West Brom are riding high in the standings of the English Championship following an impressive start to the 2019/2020 season, accruing 22 points from a possible 33 and have lost just one of their eleven fixtures so far to emerge as strong contenders to earn promotion to the topflight next term.

If there is one player in the team who praise should be accorded to, one will look no further than their Nigerian center back, Semi Ajayi.

Since making his move from Rotherham United to the West Midlands last summer, the Super Eagle has become Slaven Bilic's trusted ally and he has thus, reciprocated the faith of his club manager by churning out awe-inspiring performances week in week out.

The 25-year-old has formed a good partnership in the central rear with Kyle Bartley, both of who have played every single league game for The Baggies this season.

What more, it is even impressive to note that Ajayi is not only helping out defensively but also chipping in with important goals at the other end for the team — only two players Matt Philips and Grady Diangana (both four goals) have scored more than his tally of two for the club, same as strikers Matheus Pereira and Kenneth Zohóre.

And it will only get better for the 25-year-old. His showings in the national team versus Ukraine and lately Brazil were commendable and means he can cut it top alongside the best players of the game.

On Saturday, he and his teammates will make the trip to the Riverside stadium where they face Middlesbrough, bearing in mind that a victory will put them provisionally clear of closest chasers, Nottingham Forest.

If West Brom have the slightest chances of achieving greater success this season, much of it will undoubtedly rest on the shoulders of Ajayi who is fast emerging as their most important player.

Emmanuel Chinaza