Express & Star

Sami Ajayi flying with help from his West Brom team-mates

Defender Semi Ajayi believes he has flourished at Albion because of the support he has received from his team-mates and Slaven Bilic.

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Semi Ajayi (AMA)

The Nigerian international was snapped up from Rotherham last summer for a bargain £1.5million.

Since then Ajayi has shone at the heart of the Baggies defence – with his pace a key reason Bilic’s side is able to play with a high defensive line.

And the 26-year-old admits his first season at The Hawthorns is the most enjoyable he’s ever had.

“This season has been one of the best in my career so far,” Ajayi said. “We started the season really well. We hit a purple patch around October, November when we won six games in a row and then since then we have not looked back.

“We’ve been in the top two since September and not come out of it so we have been very, very consistent.

“I have good teammates around me, the manager has been great with me as well and it has really helped myself and everyone flourish.”

Between 2013 and 2015, Ajayi had a spell at Arsenal. And he revealed Per Mertesacker - who has won more than 100 caps for Germany – took him under his wing during his time with the Gunners.

“Per Mertesacker took a lot of time out to teach me the art of defending and give me some of the wisdom he’s picked along the way,” Ajayi added.

“I was really grateful for that.

“The things that I learned while I was there will serve me for the rest of my career.”