OPINION
As many of those at West Brom will already know, the Championship is a physically demanding league where quality and talent must be matched by robustness and a combative nature if a team is to secure success.
Wolves walked their way to the title with the flair of Diogo Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro offset by the defensive efforts of Conor Coady, Ruben Neves and Romain Saiss, while Fulham picked up their play off win with the service of Ryan Sessegnon ensuring that powerhouse forward Aleksandar Mitrovic was able to bully the opposition and fire them to a top six finish.
As such, West Brom need to follow the lead of their counterparts and ensure they have a balance running through their squad – which could start at the heart of their defence.
With the Baggies having already confirmed a done deal for Kyle Bartley, reliable news source Football Insider are claiming that talks have taken place with Huddersfield over another giant defender in the shape of Michael Hefele, and that a bid is being readied.
The 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) centre back has made 48 appearances for the Terriers, 40 of those coming in the Championship, and linking him up with fellow proven powerhouse Bartley is a partnership which will have the league’s attackers quaking in their boots.
Having a strong core in the side is absolutely crucial and with Hefele and Bartley, West Brom might just have the most imposing back line the second tier has to offer.
Defensively resolute, the pair would also offer a threat down the other end, and if Darren Moore can take advantage of set plays, the Baggies could well power their way back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.