West Brom Player Ratings: Standout Star Shines in Goalless Draw with Millwall
Albion correspondent Lewis Cox has delivered his detailed player ratings following West Bromwich Albion's goalless Championship stalemate against Millwall. The Baggies secured another valuable point in their quest for safety under manager James Morrison, in a match that was watchable despite the lack of goals.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Max O'Leary earned a secure 7 rating. The goalkeeper was only really stretched once, making a fine stop to deny a strike heading wide. Otherwise, he performed all his required duties with notable ease and confidence throughout the ninety minutes.
Danny Imray, the Crystal Palace loanee, received an improving 7. He continued to catch the eye as a lively outlet down the right side, an area otherwise lacking in threat. Imray was also very defensively solid, contributing a crucial clearance to help preserve the clean sheet.
Nat Phillips was part of that crucial clean sheet but rated a dip 6. He and defensive partner George Campbell have had more watertight games recently. At times, the clever Millwall forward Ivanovic got the better of him, and he was lucky with a let-off involving Coburn.
George Campbell received an average 6. The US defender had one or two lapses again, but otherwise, he and Phillips performed okay. On occasions, he had colleagues to thank for a bailout, but he defended reasonably well for the most part.
Callum Styles was awarded a solid 7. The left-back delivered a really good overall display on his return to that role. Styles was always a threat when trying to attack, and his defensive work was diligent on several key occasions during the match.
Midfield and Attack
Jayson Molumby earned a busy 7 rating. Used in a very unfamiliar right midfield role, he did well enough, not shirking responsibility to get forward. While he lacked the final ball in some situations, he kept going relentlessly, drilling wide from range and being denied a massive late chance by a fine save.
Alex Mowatt returned to the side for his first start in seven games, marking his first appearance during this unbeaten run, and received a return 6. He took some time to get going but largely kept things simple at the base of midfield. Mowatt tried to get forward whenever possible to support the attack.
Ousmane Diakite was the standout star with a blossoming 8 rating. He delivered another star man display, flying on the pitch. Diakite was physically immense, and his technical ability has come on leaps and bounds. He showed confidence with Cruyff turns and outside-of-foot passes, playing with maximum self-assurance.
Isaac Price had a mixed bag, earning a mixed 6. Some fans were frustrated by poor set-piece delivery, but his excellent dribbling work got Albion into threatening positions and laid on some openings for his teammates.
Aune Heggebo received a tired 6. It was not the Norwegian's night in front of goal, as little dropped his way. He kept going but seemed jaded at times, which was understandable given the match's intensity.
Daryl Dike, making his first start in six games, delivered a decent display for a dynamic 7. He looked quite sharp and dynamic, which was refreshing. Dike posed a threat in the air against giant defenders, ran hard throughout, and turned well at times to create opportunities.
Substitutes
Josh Maja came on for Heggebo in the 68th minute and was mostly on the fringes, earning a 5 rating.
Eseosa Sule replaced Dike in the 64th minute and was not applicable for a full rating due to limited time on the pitch.
Substitutes not used included Griffiths (gk), Taylor, Gilchrist, Whitwell, Jimoh-Aloba, Mustapha, and Bostock.
The draw leaves West Bromwich Albion continuing their safety hunt in the Championship, with several players showing promising form ahead of the crucial final fixtures of the season.
