West Brom detail shows Carlos Corberan has trait that could save Shilen Patel millions | OneFootball

The unexpected involvement of West Brom striker Karlan Grant again shows the developmental capabilities of Carlos Corberan

From the edge of The Hawthorns exit door to a mainstay in Carlos Corberan's side, the Spanish coach has proven once again how impressive he is by unleashing a new-look Karlan Grant this term.

After the drawn-out transfer saga in the summer of 2020, in October, West Brom fans were unified in their delight as it was announced they finally got the man they were after. The man they prayed would provide the goals needed to retain their place in the top flight after a three-year hiatus and see them once again stabilise in the Premier League. That man was Karlan Grant.

Grant arrived at The Hawthorns on the 15th of October 2020 from Huddersfield Town and brought with him an eye-catching goal record of 19 in 2019/20 (Flashscore).

Those goals had come as Huddersfield battled at the bottom of the Championship - with his strikes vital as The Terriers finished just three points above the drop zone.

Former Huddersfield boss, Danny Cowley, expressed his and his brother Nicky's admiration and joy of working with the striking sensation, telling Yorkshire Live: "He’s a top, top player. He’s got unbelievable quality, he’s the best finisher that we’ve had the pleasure of working with, and we have so much confidence in him as a boy."

But sadly, it took a long time for Grant to show any glimpse of this "quality" the Cowley brothers cited, and he returned to the second tier as West Brom tumbled down the table the same season as his arrival.

Grant showed little "quality" as Corberan appeared disinterested

Apart from an impressive numerical contribution in the 2021/22 campaign, in Grant's four years under contract with West Brom, he had only shown glimpses of the talent Baggies fans were buzzing for and saw a reduction in his involvement after a disappointing 2022/23.

The former Huddersfield man's lack of form drove him to a year on loan in South Wales last season, a move many believed symbolised Carlos Corberan's lack of interest in the forward and one that would be useful in recouping some of the £15m investment West Brom sunk into the striker, but Grant failed to perform again.

The expectation was that another loan move, or perhaps even a permanent would follow, but that failed to materialise and in 2024/25, Baggies fans' disappointment has quickly changed to delight as the former Terrier looks to have finally found his feet.

"A different animal this year" that maybe lacks the bite but has found the legs

Although just three goals and one assist in 15 appearances hardly appears a revolutionary transformation for the 26-year-old, it is the underlying numbers and sheer work rate that has astounded Baggies fans, resulting in him transforming into a fans' favourite.

Not only has Grant played the second most minutes out of all West Brom attackers, the defensive contribution of the Englishman has solidified him as a mainstay in Corberan's XI, as a pivotal example of the culpability and effort expected from all attackers in the system.

Even West Brom starlet, Tom Fellows, who may have initially garnered mass praise from Baggies fans after a lightning start to the campaign, providing five assists in the first seven of the campaign has since seen that praise begin to waver, with many citing Grant as the example of wing-play Fellow's should be demonstrating.

Corberan has undoubtedly played a role once again in Grant's development as he has with so many others since the Spaniard's arrival, such as Cedric Kipre and Alex Mowatt. Still, Grant now demonstrates the versatility of a true system player operating with defensive culpability in mind. This variable has been a staple of the Spaniard's style and has seen Grant's minutes drastically rewarded.

His commitment defensively has by no means weakened his attacking output either as Grant has registered 21 shots on target throughout the campaign, managing more than 81.7% of Championship players in his position (FotMob).

After netting a crucial goal in Albion's tackling of the Tigers, Grant told WBA about the confidence he is feeling.

He said: "I didn’t connect with it as well as I would’ve liked to, but if you don’t shoot then you don’t score. I saw the space and when I was there, there was only one thing I was thinking.

"It’s nice to hear the fans singing my name. I think they are seeing what I’m bringing to the team and I think I’m a different animal this year. Long may it continue."

Others could be treated to the Corberan magic touch as West Brom face a perilous winter window

As West Brom continue to be plagued by the inheritance of controversial owner Guochuan Lai, heavy financial restrictions are again expected to stall an extensive January haul as Shilen Patel continues to stabilise the ship.

However, with major issues in the defensive third of the pitch as Semi Ajayi and Paddy McNair continue their spells on the sidelines, and at the top with a lack of depth for the league's high-flyer, Josh Maja, action has to be taken to fill some of these gaps without opening the chequebook.

But Corberan's development of Grant has demonstrated the possibility of this to be done using his existing parts and there remain many on the Baggies books that could show a similar switch.

One example of this could be Caleb Taylor.

The 21-year-old centre-back has been a fierce force for the unexpected toppers of League One, Wycombe, and has seen this fine form rewarded with nine straight starts for Matt Bloomfield's side (Flashscore).

With Paddy McNair joining San Diego FC in January, a recall for Taylor and more time working with Corberan could help transform the player into one many have picked as a future part of the club, and save Patel spending on a defender, especially with the advancement Corberan demonstrated last season with Cedric Kipre.

Similar could be said with West Brom's new fast-forward, Devante Cole, as he fights to find both his feet and his place in the squad.

Playing just 44 minutes since his free arrival from Barnsley, it's fair to say there remains plenty more to be witnessed from the 29-year-old and plenty more that could deter Patel from having to find the lump sum commanded for forwards in the modern market (Futmob).

As Corberan has begun experimenting with the deployment of Maja in the number 10 position, a space has opened up in front that could be a perfect fit for the former Tyke, giving him a new project to pursue.