Player of the Year

It’s the most prestigious award that WBA Report could bestow on any player, it’s the Black Country Ballon D’Or. There have been some wonderful individual performances this year, but it takes a level of consistency to these performances to be truly deserving of the award.

Who impressed you? Who has endeared themselves to this passionate fan base in 2020?

For the final time, let’s have a look at the nominees:

#1 Semi Ajayi

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An athletic colossus who’s physical gifts beautifully compliment his ball playing ability. Ajayi has proved himself as one of few players in the squad that are of genuine Premier League quality.

He’s the standout defender no matter who he’s paired with and his increasing goal threat in recent weeks is only adding to his already extensive qualities as a centre half. When others celebrated promotion, he gathered his closest friends in the squad and thanked them for their contribution to his journey as a footballer and said a prayer with them – a gesture that reflects the man we have at the heart of the defence. 2020 has been filled with consistently dominant performances from Ajayi whenever he’s been called upon.

#2 Sam Johnstone

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He gets better and better, game after game. Perhaps the most in-form keeper in the league and we’re certainly fortunate to have such an influential player between the sticks.

2020 has been the best year of his career by far and who’s to say 2021 won’t be even better? If Albion stay up, Johnstone will be a massive reason why.

#3 Dara O’Shea

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A surprising feature on the list given the performances of Furlong in the last few weeks, but let’s not forget the Irishman’s consistent performances in the Championship. He’s played 34 games this year all across the backline. His maturity and seamless ability to slot in wherever asked are qualities that aren’t seen from even the most seasoned professionals and he’s just 21.

Bilic trusted him, Big Sam rates him and we love him. Well done Dara.

#4 Matheus Pereira

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A joy to watch. At the beginning of the year he was consistently head and shoulders better than any other player on the pitch. And whilst the Championship was his playground, the Premier League is his becoming his proving ground.

We know he’s got more to offer us in the Premier League, but we can still revel in his sheer creative genius even if results aren’t going our way. You have to relish every time we see him play and if 2021 is the last year we see him play for us at The Hawthorns, we’ll still have been blessed to see Matheus play.

The Results:

  1. Matheus Pereira (46.7%)
  2. Sam Johnstone (31.7%)
  3. Semi Ajayi (18.5%)
  4. Dara O’Shea (3.2%)

The winner of the 2020 WBA Report Player of the Year award is Matheus Pereira!

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