Luke Hatfield and Joseph Masi discussed the latest goings-on with West Bromwich Albion during the most recent edition of The Express and Star’s Baggies Broadcast podcast and one of the topics of discussion that came up during this podcast was whether or not there is a place in West Brom’s squad for Scotland international Matt Phillips at the moment.
Phillips has appeared in 35 of the Baggies’ 41 Championship games this season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in the league for Albion. This makes him West Brom’s fourth-highest goalscorer and second-highest assist provider in England’s second tier this term.
The attacker played in both of West Brom’s first two league games following the Championship’s restart in June and the Baggies failed to score in those two fixtures. The 29-year-old subsequently didn’t play in West Brom’s last two Championship games and the Baggies hit form in front of goal during those fixtures, scoring a combined total of seven goals.
During the latest edition of the Baggies Broadcast podcast, Hatfield mentioned that it may be a “worrying sign” for £4.95m-rated Phillips that the Baggies’ attack has been in form in recent games following his departure from the squad.
Masi then shared his thoughts on the 29-year-old attacker, saying: “This is going to sound a bit brutal really, but he had his chance, didn’t he?
“And you’re right, it did come at a time when the whole team weren’t firing – and Matt Phillips is a good player – but I don’t really see what his case is at the minute. I don’t see how he can play when everyone else has stepped in and done so well.
“I don’t expect him to be in the squad for Derby, and if Albion carry on the way they are, we might not see him again this season.”
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Considering that the Baggies’ attack has improved over the last two games – when Phillips has not played, it may be understandable why Masi doesn’t see how Phillips could play for the Baggies at present, as it may be too risky for West Brom to play him in place of others who have “stepped in and done so well,” of late.