West Bromich Albion manager Slaven Bilic says Semi Ajayi’s exemplary pace is a big asset to the club, reports Completesports.com.
Ajayi linked up with the Baggies from Rotherham United last summer and has become one of the key members of the side.
The Nigeria international has racked up 35 league appearances and scored five times for West Brom this season
“He’s got pace that normally defenders, especially centre-backs, don’t have,” Bilic told The Athletic.
“It’s very rare that they have that pace. Every club normally wants to get at least one centre-back who is pacy because when you hold a high line and defending such a big space behind you, you need pace.
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“Semi has got that and it’s a big asset. For a guy of that size, he’s very mobile and very pacy and that helps us a lot. You rely on your pace but you can’t rely only on it.
“It gives you the opportunity to stay high and not to be afraid to stay tight to the centre-forward — not to give him two yards that some other centre-backs need to give him because they are afraid he is going to spin and he will be off.
“He relies on his pace and we rely on it also. He’s got more than decent pace for a centre-back and that’s why we got him from Rotherham.”
West Brom, who last played a league game against Swansea City in March, will return to pitch on Saturday with a clash against local rivals Birmingham City at the Hawthorns.
Albion sit second in the table, one point behind leaders Leeds United and six ahead of Fulham in third, having won 19 of their 37 Championship games and scoring a league-high 64 goals in the process.
By Adeboye Amosu
5 Comments
Looking at Arsenal’s backline, I struggle to imagine, how those guys are better than Ajayi. Maybe their agents got better lyrics..
Like seriously! AJAYI is way better than all of them in Arsenal defence right now. Come to the Eagles fold too, Ajayi is like the most Underated Super Eagles defender even after his superb showing every now and then. I hope we’ll get to appreciate this gem better
Very true@ Chairmanfemi. Ajayi is somehow the underrated star in the SE. He’s got the talent to be amongst world’s best defenders. Maybe one side of his game he needs to observe, is how he projects himself. A fearless no nonsense LION for a football player especially defenders,always appreciated, respected n rated highest.
Reminds me of the gentle giant, Uche Okechukwu.https://youtu.be/QYT8ZgWplYo
https://youtu.be/QYT8ZgWplYo