Baggies blog: Home sweet home
Albion blogger Jarrod Hill measures the 2004/05 squad to this, talks Valero and gives credit to the Toffee's faithul ahead of the Hawthorns first Premier League game of the season.
After the confidence building opening game at the Emirates, we now have a home game against Everton to look forward to.
It has been an exciting week in the transfer market, with Albion smashing their transfer record to sign the very highly-rated Borja Valero from Real Mallorca. His acquisition has certainly raised the bar in terms of our market stature.
With just over a week to go until the transfer window closes, I still expect a few more incomings. Rumour has it we are actively pursuing Valero's team mate Trejo. Incidentally, he has the same agent as Valero and again is highly rated in La Liga as a future star.
The squad is certainly starting to shape up and Mowbray still hasn't shown his hand in the loan market, so the next eight days could be very interesting.
In terms of squads, I have decided to compare our existing squad with the last one that survived in the Premier League on the final day of the season.
2004-2005 Squad (Incomplete): -
Hoult, Kuszczak, Robinson, Moore, Albrechtsen, Clement, Purse, Scimeca, Greening, Gera, Johnson, Wallwork, Horsfield, Earnshaw, Kanu, Hulse, Campbell, Richardson (on loan).
Current Squad: -
Carson, Kiely, Zuiverloon, Hoefkens, Robinson, Cech, Barnett, Meite, Clement, Pele, Koren, Greening, Brunt, Kim, Valero, Morrison, Texeira, Bednar, Miller, Moore, Beattie, MacDonald.
I appreciate that drawing comparisons is relative but my overriding perception is the superior quality we now have. As I have already stated, our current squad will also be added to before the window closes. The comparison has enforced my growing confidence for the forth coming season.
One area of concern when looking at the two squads is up front. The great escape frontline had top flight experience, whereas our current strikers have raw potential. However, the striking department and defence is where I envisage us strengthening before the end of August.
On to Saturday, Everton suffered a defeat to Blackburn last week and will be looking to bounce straight back. It is important we get some points on the board as soon as possible.
With a full house at the Hawthorns, I am expecting a great game and a great atmosphere. I have always found Everton fans to be good humoured and vocal in supporting their side.
Mowbray has some tough decisions to make in his team selection. Does he play one or two upfront, does he give Zuiverloon his debut, will Valero be involved, is Koren ready, if so who plays wide right?
Lets leave it to our Tony and look forward to Premier League football back at a packed Hawthorns.
Come on you Baggies!
