West Bromwich Albion have been rather impressive under the guidance of James Shan as they now have an outside chance of challenging for an automatic promotion place.
However, the same can’t be said about the Cottagers as they’re currently on course to drop back down to the Championship after a rather forgettable season at Craven Cottage.
Interestingly, Stefan Johansen left Fulham to join West Brom on loan back in the January transfer window and the London club are reportedly (as per Football Insider) set to let him go for good in the summer.
With that being said, let’s compare Johansen to one of the Baggies’ current stars…
STEFAN JOHANSEN
Stefan Johansen has been hugely disappointing since making the move to the Midlands as he’s failed to secure a permanent place having failed to make the most of his opportunities in the side.
Indeed, West Brom fans certainly won’t be bothered to see him leave in the summer as he’s been of little help to their promotion push anyway. Although, he could be remembered at the Hawthorns for a very long time if he manages to produce a moment of magic that helps the Baggies secure promotion.
TT GRADE: C+
JAKE LIVERMORE
Tony Pulis secured the services of Jake Livermore for a reported £10 million (as per BBC Sport) back in January of 2017, and it’s safe to say he’s established himself as a hero at the Hawthorns.
West Brom fans already admire the central midfielder as he’s been influential at times in their promotion push and his goal against Birmingham City last time out made him even more of a favourite.
TT GRADE: B+
TT VERDICT:
Stefan Johansen returning to Fulham in the summer transfer window certainly won’t bother fans as he’s struggled to make any kind of impact at the Hawthorns. But, it’s safe to say that the Baggies need to bring in a central midfielder who has the ability to influence play in the final third as they’ve lacked creativity at times.
Nevertheless, Jake Livermore has stepped up to the plate in the current campaign and he will continue to receive regular minutes in the middle of midfield, with Johansen forced to watch from the substitutes’ bench.
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