OPINION
While West Brom’s attack has been nothing short of sensational at times this season the same cannot be said for the men at the other end of the pitch.
The Baggies’ defence has been their Achilles heel throughout the whole campaign and is part of the reason why they have fallen away from their rivals at the very top of the table, silly mistakes and defensive errors creeping into their game.
One man who has come under fire for his performances is goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, the shot stopper very hit-and-miss over the campaign, especially when it comes to playing with the ball at his feet.
A summer signing in 2018, he perhaps has not brought the same confidence and composure that the Baggies would have hoped for and he cannot consider himself safe from added competition when the upcoming transfer window swings round.
One man who would be a giant upgrade – both figuratively and literally – would be 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) Burnley keeper Nick Pope, who according to the Sun is up for sale with the Clarets preferring Tom Heaton and Joe Hart between the sticks.
Said to have an asking price of £10million, the 26-year-old has plenty of years left under his belt and the fact he has an England cap to his name, courtesy of his impressive form at the end of last season, demonstrates what a talent he is.
He also has what has let Johnstone down this season – consistency, with what few errors he has made during his career minor ones and nothing that would worry a manager.
With the report stating that Premier League and promotion chasing Championship sides are keen, West Brom will face a battle, but if they want to hit the heights they should be expecting then an upgrade on Johnstone is a must – Pope is the answer to their prayers.