After an indifferent season for the Baggies in which the club flirted with relegation before finishing comfortably in mid-table, WBA-MAD.co.uk rates the players (1-10).
Goalkeepers
Ben Foster
The England international’s campaign was cut short after a knee injury in mid-March. Before then, Foster was solid enough without ever being spectacular. Kicking was an issue throughout the season. 6 out of 10
Boaz Myhill
Single-handedly earned Albion three points with a fantastic game at Old Trafford, including a penalty save from Robin Van Persie. Myhill only made 11 league appearance but showed his an able deputy to Foster. 7
Defenders
Jason Davidson
The Australian impressed at the World Cup. But, after a protracted transfer to the club, was released after only 2 league starts. Scored the all important penalty in the League Cup against Oxford, but had a torrid time away at Swansea. Released on a free transfer. 5
Cristian Gamboa
Another who caught the eye at the World Cup. Pace to burn but was never used properly by either Alan Irvine and was bombed out by Tony Pulis. Looked okay when called upon, but maybe a little too cavalier to be a Premier League full back. Expected to leave in the summer. 5
Jonas Olsson
After a number of terrible errors early in the season, Olsson found himself dropped and then injured for a large part of the season. The giant Swede returned towards the end of the campaign but will always play second fiddle on the left-hand side of central defence to Joleon Lescott. Another that may move in the summer. 6
Sebastian Pocognoli
The Belgium started well and Albion fans thought they had found an able replacement for the ageing Liam Ridgewell. Pocognoli became a fans’ favourite quickly with his tough tackling and no-nonsense approach. But after a terrible game away at QPR, was another who was bombed out by Pulis. Expected to leave. 6
Chris Baird
The most underwhelming signing of the summer. But while Baird was never spectacular or eye-catching, he didn’t let the Baggies down either. Was used mainly as a very late substitute by Pulis but failed to earn another contract at the club. If only he had cleared the ball late on at Villa Park. 5
Andre Wisdom
Albion’s first-choice right-back under Alan Irvine. Nicknamed ‘Norman’ by Albion fans, the defender was often beaten in 1-on-1 situations and failed on numerous occasions to beat the first man when in a crossing position. Another Pulis quickly disposed of. Returned to Liverpool and amazingly signed a four-year contract. 4
Gareth McAuley
G-Mac just gets better with age. Made one terrible error against Leicester, but was as reliable as ever at the heart of Albion’s defence. Scored a late equaliser in the league cup against Hull and also netted in Albion’s final game of the season. In discussions over a new deal, despite turning 35. 7
Craig Dawson
Albion’s surprise package. After failing to cement a place early in the season alongside Lescott in central defence, Pulis moved the defender to the right side of defence with effect. Dawson looked solid in defence and got better going forward as the season went on. Be interesting to see where he plays next season. 7
Joleon Lescott
Lescott was amazingly overlooked early on by Alan Irvine – despite claiming he was ready to play. When he finally did pull on an Albion shirt, Lescott showed his pedigree and often strolled his way through games. Positionally excellent, Lescott also reads the game well. Shame his legs have gone. Nonetheless, still our best summer signing. 8
Midfield
Sebastian Blanco
Another summer signing flop. Blanco made only three appearances from the bench under Alan Irvine before being shipped out by Tony Pulis to San Lorenzo. Bought as an attacking midfielder, it was quickly evident that Blanco lacked the required attributes to play Premier League football. 3
Callum McManaman
The tricky winger joined in January from Wigan Athletic but arrived injured. Made only 8 appearances in the league but showed enough to see that he will be a real asset next season when fit. 6
Darren Fletcher
Albion’s captain fantastic. Made a huge impact both on and off the field since his arrival in January. Thank God West Ham stalled on the deal. Took the armband off Chris Brunt and hasn’t looked back since. 8
Youssouf Mulumbu
Eyebrows were raised when Albion declined to activate another year on his contract. But, in truth, this wasn’t Mulumbu’s finest season. The fan’s favourite only made 17 appearances in the league as he struggled with form and injury. Thanks for the memories. 5
Claudio Yacob
Scandalously underused by Alan Irvine. But as soon as Tony Pulis, Yacob was quickly installed as a cover in front of Albion’s back four. His form improved as the season continued – including an excellent performance against Chelsea. 8
Stephane Sessegnon
Despite a solid start to the season, including a great strike against Manchester United, Sess found himself in the wilderness as the season ended. He reportedly paid for a taxi home having failed to make the squad at Newcastle and seems to be heading for the exit. Excellent when he’s on form – but that only happened once against Stoke at home. 6
James Morrison
Welcome back Mozza. Arguably Albion’s most consistent performer in the Baggies’ engine room. Although not a typical Tony Pulis player, Morrison thrived in the second half of the season and found his goalscoring touch again with strikes against West Ham in the FA Cup and headers – yes headers! – against Spurs and Palace. Excellent throughout. 9
Craig Gardner
Enjoyed his time in the middle of park during Irvine’s reign – including THAT goal against the Villa. Was pushed out wide under Tony Pulis and struggled at times. Lacks the pace and trickery to play out wide but has been a solid addition to the squad – especially on a free transfer. Scored Albion’s goal of the season at Crystal Palace. More of the same needed next season. 7
Chris Brunt
Quickly turning into Mr Albion. Amazingly still questioned by some sections of fans, Brunt again featured at the top of the assist charts – mainly due to his excellent set-piece delivery. Was shifted to an unfamiliar left-back position by Tony Pulis but never let anybody down. Another who got better as the season continued, topped by a great goal against Chelsea. 8
Silvestre Varela
Much was expected from Varela after he arrived on loan from Porto. Having played and scored for Portugal at last summer’s World Cup, Albion fans expected Varela to bring much needed width, pace and trickery to The Hawthorns. But after picking up a groin injury in September, it was December again until Albion fans saw Varela. Looked OK when he was fit but was quickly shipped out by Tony Pulis. 4
Strikers
Victor Anichebe
Big Vic has again spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch – making only 25 appearances, many from the bench. Unplayable at times, Anichebe often looks lazy and disinterested. Highlight of the season was a brace away at Blues in the cup. Another who could leave – but who would buy an injury-prone striker? 6
Brown Ideye
Much was expected from Ideye after a much publicised £10m move in the summer. Arrived unfit and out of form, Ideye didn’t get started until the start of February when he scored four in two games. After missing a sitter in the cup against the Villa, his form quickly turned off. Almost left in January and wouldn’t be surprising if he went in the summer. Tries hard but doesn’t have the quality required for the Premier League. 6
Saido Berahino
Fired the goals which kept Albion away from the relegation zone. Despite some questionable off-field antics and interviews, on the pitch Berahino was excellent for Albion. Scored an impressive 20 goals, 14 in the league, in his first full season is a fantastic achievement. Seemed to tire towards the end of the season but still managed to end of a high with two goals against Chelsea. Albion will do well to keep after him in the summer. 9
Georgios Samaras
Arrived on a free transfer from Celtic in the summer but only made five appearances from the bench before departing to the Middle East on loan. Doesn’t seem to have a future at The Hawthorns. 3
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