Express & Star

Five West Brom players who have improved under Darren Moore

In temporary charge of West Brom following Alan Pardew's exit, Darren Moore is currently unbeaten as boss.

Published
Last updated
Who has improved for Albion under Moore? (AMA)

But which players has Moore seen an improvement from since taking charge?

Jake Livermore

Jake Livermore (AMA)

The England international has struck up a balanced partnership with Chris Brunt in central midfield and has been getting forward far more in the last three games in order to support the strikers.

He may not be naturally creative in the final third, but he’s putting some miles in working box-to-box.

After nearly scoring against Manchester United a week before, on Saturday he notched his first goal for the club.

There’s no doubt he’s benefitting from Moore’s clear instructions and has an good understanding with Brunt.

Matt Phillips

Matt Phillips (AMA)

The winger is the archetypal confidence player and suffers under pressure more than others.

After a fantastic season last campaign, he’s been unable to get out of his shell this time around. But the difference under Moore has been staggering.

Albion’s caretaker has obviously said all the right things to the 27-year-old in order to build up his confidence and on Saturday he was the Phillips of old, darting in and out of defenders with ease.

Moore’s man-management appears to be having a huge effect. Even more reason to keep him as a coach next season.

Craig Dawson

Craig Dawson (AMA)

The defender has been one of Albion’s more reliable performers this season, but he’s embraced the responsibility of playing in the middle under Moore.

Dawson has made it clear he prefers playing at centre-back, and in the past two games he’s been a rock at the heart of defence (even if he might have conceded a penalty in both).

Against Liverpool, he kept the backline in order while Ahmed Hegazi went wandering, and has also a menace in the opposition’s box.

Keeping him for next season would be a huge success.

Jay Rodriguez

Jay Rodriguez (AMA)

Even though he had a quieter game on Saturday, there were still some flashes that suggest he’s on form at the moment.

But he was man of the match in Moore’s first two games in charge, and his performance at Old Trafford will live long in his memory.

Flourishing as the second striker behind Salomon Rondon, it’s where he should have been playing all season.

One of the few six-yard predators in the team, if not the only. Another player who will probably have plenty of suitors in the summer, Albion would do well to keep hold of him.

Allan Nyom

Allan Nyom (AMA)

The right-back was a bit of cult hero last season but was rarely used by Alan Pardew, and when he was, it was at left-back or right wing-back.

He’s still unorthodox at times, and is prone to the odd reckless tackle, but now he’s playing in his preferred position he looks more comfortable.

Has managed to keep some high-profile stars pretty quiet in the last two games, and always offers an outlet on the right hand side when Albion have the ball.

His positioning has improved too under Moore, who you feel can organise a back four.