Key Players

The Rock: Semi Ajayi (CB)

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Ajayi signed from Rotherham last July for around £3m and was largely expected to feature from the bench.

However, much to the delight of the West Brom faithful, Ajayi has been a commanding presence at centre-back this season. Powerful and pacey, Ajayi has been Albion’s best defender this season and without a doubt, their most consistent.

His goals in the draws against Fulham and Leeds have also proved crucial; currently, it is the two resulting points that are currently making all the difference in the race for automatic promotion.

Season performance: 8.5/10

The Engine: Jake Livermore (CDM)

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If you had told me this time last year that Livermore would be in with a shot for Player of the Season, I’d have told you to get back to Villa Park with such deluded nonsense.

I’ll eat my words, though — since Bilic has come in, Livermore has been outstanding. He has been a sure-starter for most of the season after forming an impressive midfield partnership with Baggie boy Romaine Sawyers.

Goals against Preston, Hull and Blackburn have also proved crucial, as have his countless crunching (and sometimes unnecessary) tackles.

Season performance: 8/10

The Star: Matheus Pereira (CAM / RW)

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20 assists, eight goals. Do I really need to say anymore?

What a delight Pereira has been this season. He really does have it all, doesn’t he? Goals, assists, skill — he is even reliable defensively.

My personal favourite Pereira moment has to be his free-kick against Bristol City — wait no, his hat-trick of assists against Swansea City — but what about his 40-yard assist for Grosicki against Hull? There are too many moments!

Season performance: 9.5/10

The Manager: Slaven Bilic

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West Brom saw the managerial signing of Slaven Bilic as a real coup when it happened.

“I think he (Bilic) is the best thing that has happened in the 18 months that I have been at the club,” Dowling claimed last month.

Dowling is right — Bilic has not disappointed.

Whether it’s his passion (as we saw with his sending off at Derby and yellow card at Blackburn) or his ability to shake the team into life when needed (evidenced by the formation shift post-Christmas), Bilic has got it all.

Let’s not forget that this is his first season both at West Brom and in the Championship. To be in second place at the moment is truly remarkable. Long may it continue.

Season rating: 8.5/10

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in: West Brom vs QPR: Opposition Dangermen.

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