West Brom may have won the summer transfer window with double agreement | OneFootball

Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham look to have been shrewd signings for West Brom, and the duo could be key to their promotion chances.

It’s early days for Ryan Mason at West Brom, but you would understand if Albion supporters are excited about what this season could bring.

Not only do the Baggies sit second, having picked up ten points from four games, but they have also played some good football under the former Spurs coach.

Aune Heggebo, the big summer signing, looks like the ideal focal point for Mason’s tactical setup, and Isaac Price has excelled in the opening month.

Chris Mepham and Nat Phillips could be an outstanding defensive partnership for West Brom

Whilst the attacking duo are understandably attracting the headlines, the defensive setup also offers reason for optimism for Albion.

Nat Phillips has been assured since joining the club this summer, putting in several commanding displays in the first four games.

The former Liverpool man was particularly good last time out against Stoke, where he scored the winning goal, with Chris Mepham, another recent addition, partnering him in central defence.

The Welsh international was similarly impressive, as the duo dominated aerially, won many duels, and they restricted a Stoke side that started the day top of the table, to very few clear chances.

West Brom’s defence will be crucial to promotion push

Of course, it’s very early days, but Mepham and Phillips have the potential to be the base that Albion need to push for promotion.

Firstly, they have both been there and done it. Phillips and Mepham were both part of the Bournemouth squad that won promotion in 2022, and the latter repeated the feat with Sunderland in the previous campaign.

Having players who have won promotion is massive in the dressing room, and their experience will be key as the season plays out.

In truth, there would be doubts about the duo in the Premier League, as they may not have the pace to cope with the very best attackers in the country. But, in the Championship, they are reliable, strong performers, who will embrace the physical battle, organise their teammates and have the know-how to help West Brom win games.

After selling the classy Torbjorn Heggem to Bologna in a £10m deal, you could understand if Albion fans were worried about how the defence would look this season.

Yet, with Phillips signing for £3m, and Mepham joining for just £1m, it’s fair to say that the Baggies recruitment team have been very shrewd in the market, whilst George Campbell, another who arrived for a modest fee (£1.7m), has also had a positive start in blue-and-white stripes.

Again, we must acknowledge that it’s very early days, and it will be interesting to see how Albion cope without Darnell Furlong, who has been a constant figure at right-back over the years.

But, with Mepham and Phillips at the heart of the defence, Mason has two players who he will rely on over what is a demanding Championship season.

It remains to be seen whether that’s enough, but West Brom