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Townsend must be handed major role at West Brom

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OPINION

West Bromwich Albion wing back Conor Townsend produced the finest performance of his Baggies career in the team’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The Englishman has struggled to make an impact under Darren Moore’s leadership following his summer move from Scunthorpe United, but he showed what he was capable of at the Hawthorns.

Playing in the left wing back position the 25-year-old demonstrated that he can be an attacking threat, constantly rampaging forward and delivering dangerous crosses into the Blackburn box.

This was a much needed performance from a player who has, frankly, been woeful so far this season. Townsend had only made two appearances in the Championship prior to Saturday’s game, and hadn’t even been included in the match day squad on seven occasions this term.

For a player who was only signed this summer that’s a shocking statistic. He’s played every minute of the team’s Carabao Cup stint, but that only really serves to underline his status as a back-up player.

That should all change following Saturday’s game, though. Townsend showed why the club brought him in and he should be rewarded with a run of games moving forward.

He needs regular football if he is to fulfil his potential at the Hawthorns. He’s still fairly young and there’s definite room for improvement moving forward.

The wing back position seems to suit him, and it’s clearly where he belongs as the season wears on. Adept both defensively and offensively, he is able to contribute significantly in all areas of the game when playing in that position.

He was constantly looking for the runs of Jay Rodriguez and Bakary Sako on Saturday, and if he can strike up an understanding with those players then the Baggies could be on to a winner.

It’s vital that Moore shows Townsend that good performances earn rewards. He cannot be knocked straight back to the bench after this display because his confidence will be shot. Townsend needs to be given the chance to make that left wing back position his own.

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