West Brom: Evolution needed at The Hawthorns

Jan 5 2011 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

NEVER before have Albion gone into a January transfer window from such a position of strength.

The last month has brought a return of few points and underlined the need for strikers. One at least. Maybe two.

Peter Odemwingie’s attributes and abilities have been demonstrated already this season but, until recently, he had played with little-to-no break since March due to the timing of the Russian season.

He needs help. Marc-Antoine Fortuné has looked unconvincing so far and, though he and Odemwingie occupy a similar role, the diversity in their individual demands on the field means it is often an uneasy transition for the midfielders when there is a shift from Odemwingie to Fortuné.

Ishmael Miller is not ready to address Albion’s goalscoring issues. Roman Bednar is so far off the radar than not even Leicester want him. We have to assume he and Luke Moore have no futures at the club.

A right-back, too, wouldn’t go amiss. Maybe a centre-half. For all of Albion’s experience and pedigree of personnel, they still look way too brittle at times.

Finding that striker will prove tough. John Carew brings baggage, while Federico Macheda has already gone elsewhere. Others remain unproven, unwanted or flawed.