Tony Mowbray: West Bromwich Albion defence is in place
Sep 4 2008 By Chris Lepkowski
TONY Mowbray believes the final two pieces of Albion's defensive jigsaw will ensure that fewer goals are conceded this season.
Ryan Donk and Jonas Olsson were the last defenders to arrive, joining Albion just before Monday's transfer window.
They join fellow recent arrivals Gianni Zuiverloon, Marek Cech, Abdoulaye Meite and goalkeeper Scott Carson.
Mowbray claims that he was keen to arrest his side's defensive problems following last season's inconsistencies.
The Baggies conceded more goals than relegated Leicester and were particularly susceptible to set-pieces.
Mowbray told the Birmingham Mail: "I identified that the defensive side of our team needed strengthening coming into the Premier League.
"Generally we needed to create more competition in the area.
"Over the summer we managed to do that and there is now more competition.
"The goalkeeping area has more competition and the full-backs and centre-backs have genuine competition for places."
Mowbray elaborated further on his decision to capture Olsson from NEC Nijmigen and the loan signing of AZ Alkmaar's Donk.
"Jonas was brought in for left-sided balance because of Neil’s situation," Mowbray added.
"He was someone I’d seen once or twice.
"His personality on the football pitch endeared me to him.
"He’s a natural winner, he’s someone whose character and personality come out on the football pitch.
"He’s 6ft4in, has very good ability on the ball, picks the right pass and his main attribute is his desire to win and put his body on the line for the team.
"Ryan Donk is someone I have known for a few years and have watched him come through the Dutch system, including at international level for the Dutch youth teams.
"I’ve seen enough of AZ Alkmaar to be aware of what a potential talent he is.
"I think he is still waiting to burst on and become a top, top player.
"Hopefully he will force his way into the set-up here and show everyone in the Premier League what a talent he has.
"The attributes he has are suited to the Premier League and once we get working with him we’ll see if he can force his way into the team and cement a place."
