West Brom questions for Sam Field

Midfielder Sam Field joined Charlton on loan exactly 12 months ago in a temporary swoop that also saw Jonathan Leko move to The Valley.

Now, though, the promising midfielder is at something of a crossroads – with the 22-year-old having to decide what’s best for his long-term future.

Field would like nothing more than to stay and play for his boyhood club in the Premier League.

But the Stourbridge-born star knows it’s not going to be easy forcing his way into Slaven Bilic’s starting XI.

Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers are as good as shoo-ins to play each week.

The Baggies are in talks to re-sign Filip Krovinovic either on loan or on a permanent basis.

While there are also suggestions they are looking to bring in another holding midfielder – someone who has the Premier League experience Field doesn’t yet boast.

Field is likely to have to battle fellow academy graduate Rekeem Harper for a place in Slaven Bilic’s match day squad.

But the Express & Star understands there is plenty of interest in him from elsewhere.

And that is understandable when you look at his stats from last season.

Charlton were significantly stronger whenever the 22-year-old was available – who knows they might even still be a Championship side if he hadn’t injured his knee back in October.

Lee Bowyer’s side recorded 78 per cent of their clean sheets when he played.

And of the 65 goals they conceded, only 25 per cent of those arrived while Field was on the pitch.

But it was his reading of the game and ability to make interceptions that was particularly impressive during his time at The Valley.

Field, on average, made 7.69 interceptions per game – the joint third highest in the Championship.

He also blocked 0.53 shots per 90 minutes, the most of any defensive midfielder under the age of 23 in the division. He also completed 84.6 per cent of his passes.

Field now has a big decision to make.

Does he stay at The Hawthorns and fight for his place? Or does he follow the example of Sawyers and leave the club he loves in order to get game time?

It’s a tough call and one all Albion fans would struggle to make.