West Brom started the 2024/25 campaign well but as the year progressed, The Hawthorns’ faithful had less and less to cheer about.
West Brom have an important summer ahead with a managerial appointment to see to before they can put their transfer plans into action. WBA are managerless after the call to part ways with Tony Mowbray.
Landing the next boss will be the first port of call and from there, the Baggies will quickly set about shaping the squad to their liking.
There are some talented players and valuable assets at The Hawthorns, some of whom could land key roles under new management after finding opportunities hard to come by under Mowbray.
Among them was West Brom striker Daryl Dike who, admittedly, was still on the comeback trail from long-term injury. However, on his return to the starting XI, the American reminded everyone exactly what he can bring.
A successful West Brom comeback
It’s safe to say Dike has endured injury hell since joining West Brom. The striker dealt with hamstring and thigh injuries in his first year before back-to-back achilles tendon ruptures, resulting in over two years of missed action since arriving in January 2022.
As such, the Baggies have had to take a very careful approach to his comeback. Before a first start of the season on the final day, Dike made 10 short appearances off the WBA bench and played in some U21s games too.
Dike’s comeback couldn’t have gone much better. In a little over an hour on the pitch, the 24-year-old scored one goal and set up another as the Baggies cruised to a 5-3 win.
The American powerhouse was a much-needed focal point the top of the pitch for West Brom. He won his duels, brought teammates into the game and got himself on the scoresheet against a Cardiff City side that couldn’t handle him.
Excitement ahead of next season
You’d be hard pressed to find a West Brom fan that isn’t rooting for Daryl Dike to become a star. Not only has he fought through adversity with numerous injury setbacks and serious blows, but his lively character has made him a popular figure around the club among players and supporters alike.
His final day showing against Cardiff City was a timely reminder of what he can do on the pitch though, something that has perhaps been forgotten given how long he has been out.
There will be real hope that the next WBA manager can play to the strengths of the dangerous Dike and get the American back to his best on a regular basis. If that can be done, they’ll have a real force on their hands.
The backroom team should continue to take caution with his fitness where necessary to try and avoid new injuries. However, excitement over what he could do next season should is building, and it is more than justified.
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