West Bromwich Albion journalist Joseph Masi has been discussing Sam Johnstone following his absence from the side in their recent game.
Johnstone, the Baggies’ established number-one goalkeeper, has been out of the side recently following his suspension for a red card that he received during their game against Cardiff City earlier in January.
He was able to return for Wednesday night’s defeat against Preston North End, but despite being eligible, was left out of the side completely, with David Button starting in goal and Alex Palmer on the bench.
It has since been revealed by Ismael that Johnstone was left out over ‘internal issues’, and speaking on the Express and Star YouTube channel after the game, Masi tried to dissect what those issues might have been, before giving an overall assessment of the decision to leave Johnstone out of the side.
He said: “It’s an internal issue, is what Valerien Ismael has said. I mean, reading between the lines, I think everyone would take an internal issue as a spat, a fallout. What else can it be? I don’t know what else it could possibly be.
“I think everyone expected Sam Johnstone to be in the side tonight – he is an England international, he is the outstanding goalkeeper in the division.
“Yes, I’ve got to say, David Button has done really, really well since he’s come into the side. I like him, I think he’s a good goalkeeper. But Johnstone is the outstanding goalkeeper in the division, he’s the only England international in the division. After serving a three-game ban and available, you expect him to play, he is quality. He’s quality that you just don’t get this level, really and it’s a real surprise, for me.”
TIF Thoughts on Joseph Masi’s comments about Sam Johnstone at West Bromwich Albion…
Should West Brom have sold Sam Johnstone this January?
Yes
No
If indeed there are internal issues, this might just be the perfect opportunity for West Bromwich Albion to get rid of Johnstone.
There are a number of clubs that have reportedly shown an interest in bringing him on board during the January transfer window, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, now would be the ideal time for West Brom to cash in.
With a few days left in the window, perhaps they can invest that money on a few players that can give the Baggies a boost towards promotion.
Whether or not that is the case, we’ll just have to wait and see, but let’s hope that it gets resolved one way or the other sooner rather than later.
In other news: ‘I’d play with 10 men instead’, ‘Noooo’ – Many West Brom fans rage as ‘bad news’ emerges