Darnell Furlong, Nathan Ferguson and Dara O’Shea (RB)

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When Furlong signed from QPR last summer, he was expected to be a sure starter. He is solid defensively yet menacing going forward. But then came along Ferguson, who changed it all for Bilic.

Even after Furlong joined the Baggies, the plan was to sign another right-back. For Bilic, though, Ferguson turned out to be more than capable. In fact, he started him in the opening game against Nottingham Forest where he won man of the match.

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Furlong performed well when called upon, with his best game in an Albion shirt coming in the 4-2 victory over Huddersfield Town, providing a goal and an assist. Crucially, he also provided the assist for Charlie Austin’s eventual winner in the 3-2 victory over Birmingham City.

However, Bilic sought to balance out attack with defence, so Furlong never earned a sustained run in team. From Christmas onwards, this was because of one man: Dara O’Shea.

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Though he is not as forward-thinking as Furlong, he can certainly attack, as shown by three goal tally this season. Defensively solid, O’Shea made the right-back position his own, something which is unlikely to change as Albion enter the Premier League next season.

All we can say is, good luck to Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane when they face the Irish Cafu.

Ratings: Ferguson 6/10, Furlong 7/10, O’Shea 8.5/10

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