OPINION
For all the enviable talent present in this West Bromwich Albion squad, of which there is plenty, there can be no doubt that the centre of midfield is an area that needs improving in the second half of the season.
Baggies boss Darren Moore has struggled to find the answer in the middle of the park this campaign, with a coterie of stars attempting to fill the spot next to incumbent Jake Livermore.
Perhaps the answer could lie a division up, though. Leicester City manager Claude Puel hinted to the Leicester Mercury recently that the Foxes are considering loaning out young midfielder Hamza Choudhury, someone who would be perfect for West Brom at this moment in time.
The 21-year-old is a promising prospect who recently signed a contract extension at the King Power Stadium, showing how highly rated the youngster is by the staff at Leicester.
He produced a wonderful performance against Manchester City in the Foxes’ Carabao Cup quarter final defeat on penalties on Tuesday, patrolling the midfield with menacing intent and never giving City’s multitude of top class talents a moment’s rest.
That is the sort of enforcer that West Brom need. Veteran players like Chris Brunt, Gareth Barry and James Morrison have all been fine servants to the club, but they simply don’t have the legs to do the job in a two man midfield anymore.
Choudhury is young and hungry, while he has Championship experience from his loan spells with Burton Albion. He would provide the bite that the Baggies have been missing in the middle of the field since Claudio Yacob left.
A loan deal to the end of the season would benefit all parties. Choudhury needs regular football to take the next step in his development, and it’s clear he won’t be getting that at Leicester this season.
The Hawthorns has proved to be a profitable place for loanees this term, with Harvey Barnes, Dwight Gayle and Tosin Adarabioyo all impressing away from their parent clubs.
This could be the move that makes the difference between promotion and failure for West Brom. There is a gaping hole in the team and Choudhury can fill it, and potentially help seal a swift return to the top flight for the Baggies.