OPINION
West Brom were dealt a monumental blow earlier in the week when Leicester City decided to recall Harvey Barnes from his loan spell at the Hawthorns. The 21-year-old has been a huge source of so much positivity around the Baggies this season, and with the young midfielder gone, fans could have been justifiably worried as to where goals and creativity were going to come from for their side against Norwich City. Few would have suspected the answer to their problems to be Mason Holgate, who provided a stellar cross for Dwight Gayle to open proceedings on Saturday afternoon. The full-back, on loan from Everton, was a constant nuisance for the Canaries, with his quality of delivery causing frequent problems for the visitors. The importance of a full-back who can join in the attack and create an overlap in wide areas cannot be understated, especially in the modern game, and the 22-year-old, making his first Championship appearance for his new club, played his part excellently. Obviously, the prospect cannot be expected to provide assists every week, but if he can put in a few more performances like this one, Baggies fans will be quick to forget the loss of Barnes.
This is Futbol have gathered some of the best tweets below:
Harper Hegazi Gibbs Johnstone Gayle Barry an Holgate impressive.The others not so much.#WBA
— Michael whitehouse (@Michaelwh24) January 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Kylejones1330/status/1084106816441761794
Friendship ended with Harvey Barnes
?
Now Mason Holgate is my best friend
— Joe Bone (@josefbone) January 12, 2019
With his crossing ability maybe we just stick Holgate up front to replace Barnes? #wba
— Sir Herbert Oatcake (@Carpenterdf) January 12, 2019
Holgate, quality signing!! Looks top drawer. Gayle showing his class!! #boingboing #WBA
— Al Smith (@htimsAJ) January 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/wba_tommo/status/1084108721788280832
The difference between Holgate and Adarabioyo is absolutely staggering #wba
— Lewis Botfield (@BotfieldLewis) January 12, 2019