West Bromwich Albion signed Jayson Molumby on a season-long loan deal from Brighton this summer. Molumby performed well for the Seagulls’ academy sides, making his first-team debut as a teenager in the Carabao Cup in 2017. His progress however was halted as he suffered a serious knee injury, requiring him to undergo a complex surgery. Following which he was out recovering for more than a year. After making his return from injury, he joined Millwall on loan for the 2019-20 season in the Championship. Molumby saw a lot of game time at Millwall, making 36 appearances in the league. During his time at Millwall, Molumby was deployed in a more defensive role, his key attributes being his work rate and tackling although he did not have many contributions in the attacking phases.
Following an unremarkable and short loan spell at Preston North End, Molumby is back in the Championship with West Brom. Under Ismael, the Baggies have used a 3-4-3 formation regularly this season. While Molumby is behind Livermore and Mowatt in West Brom’s starting line-up, recent suspension and injury to the midfield duo has opened doors for Molumby. He was impressive in the midfield in his substitute appearance in the game against Birmingham, where Ismael’s side secured a 1-0 victory. Since then, he has started in West Brom’s next two back-to-back games, a 2-1 defeat away at Swansea and a 3-0 victory at home against Bristol City. Molumby along with Snodgrass were impressive in West Brom’s victory against Bristol. With a trip to fellow Championship contenders Fulham just a few days away, Molumby’s performances have given Ismael a selection headache albeit a good one.
Let’s dive into his stats to see if he can be part of West Brom’s midfield in their upcoming games.
Although he has been involved in just four games this season, Molumby’s passing and progression stats are impressive, with many of the metrics surpassing the league median value. His most notable attribute being offensive duels won. In the recent game, Molumby occupied a slightly more advanced slot in the midfield, pressing his opponents and pushing forward.
West Brom’s pressing style of play are suited to Molumby’s attributes as his game is characterized by his energy and pressing. He often chases after the ball and his opponents. His awareness and quality with the ball allow him to pick a pass in multiple areas of the pitch. In addition, he is strong defensively. Molumby ranks highly in terms of many defensive actions. His recoveries in the opponent half per 90 further highlight his dynamism and energy.
Molumby’s heat map indicates the areas of the pitch where he is most active in. His heat map is impressive considering the number of games he has played. Along with providing support to his defenders, he is capable of driving forward.
His duel map indicates the areas in the pitch where he engages in defensive duels and aerial duels. Molumby is described as a tough-tackler capable of covering vast spaces on the field.
With Mowatt and Livermore doubtful to make an appearance in the upcoming few games, Molumby will surely be in contention to appear in Ismael’s starting eleven. His energy, quality on the ball and defensive attributes make him an asset for Ismael’s side. Both him and Snodgrass are likely to partner in the midfield for the Baggies as they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
