Why Former Millwall Attacker  is Struggling for West Brom

Why Former Millwall Attacker  is Struggling for West Brom

Jed Wallace, once one of Millwall’s standout performers, arrived at West Bromwich Albion with high expectations. After five successful seasons at The Den, where his pace, creativity, and goal contributions made him a fan favorite, Wallace was seen as a key figure in West Brom’s bid for promotion. However, since making the move to The Hawthorns, the attacker has struggled to replicate his form, leaving fans and pundits questioning what has gone wrong.

One of the primary reasons for Wallace’s struggles at West Brom may lie in the shift in tactical demands. At Millwall, Wallace was given more freedom to roam and express himself in the final third, often playing as the primary creator. He thrived in a system that allowed him to exploit space with his pace and vision, and he frequently played on the counterattack, where his direct style was highly effective.

 

However, under Carlos Corberan’s more structured and possession-oriented system at West Brom, Wallace’s role has been different. Corberan emphasizes control in midfield, quick transitions, and a high defensive press. This requires wingers like Wallace to not only contribute offensively but also maintain positional discipline and track back defensively. The added defensive responsibility, combined with the demand for more intricate passing play in attack, has stifled Wallace’s natural instincts.

 

At Millwall, Wallace was rarely asked to lead the pressing efforts or cover as much ground defensively as he is now expected to do at West Brom. In Corberan’s setup, wingers play a critical role in the first phase of pressing, which often leaves Wallace expending more energy without the ball. While he’s capable of contributing to the press, this more demanding role may be affecting his ability to remain sharp in the final third, where his performances have dipped.

 

This shift in focus from creativity to defensive work rate may explain why Wallace has struggled to find the same level of consistency in front of goal. His numbers—both in terms of goals and assists—have seen a noticeable decline, and his influence on matches has diminished as a result.

 

Like many attackers, Wallace’s game is built on confidence, and a lack of goals or assists can lead to frustration. At Millwall, Wallace was one of the first names on the team sheet and the go-to man for moments of magic. At West Brom, with the presence of other creative players and competition for places, Wallace has found it harder to assert himself.

 

There’s also the psychological aspect of transitioning from being a key player at a club like Millwall, where the system suited him perfectly, to having to adapt and fight for form in a different environment. This can lead to a drop in confidence, which is often reflected in decision-making on the pitch. Wallace has been guilty of overthinking at times, hesitating in key moments where his instinctual play once shone.

 

It’s clear that Wallace has not yet fully adapted to Carlos Corberan’s style of play. Corberan’s system demands cohesion and collective work, often limiting the kind of individualism that Wallace was known for at Millwall. The transition from being a player who could take risks in attack to one who needs to play within the team’s structure has not been seamless for the winger.

 

To regain his form, Wallace will need to find a balance between adapting to Corberan’s system and rediscovering the flair that made him a standout performer in the Championship. This means improving his decision-making in key areas, being more effective in defensive transitions, and working on his final product to increase his output in goals and assists.

 

While Wallace has struggled, it’s important to remember that the Championship is a long season, and there is still plenty of time for him to turn things around. His talent is undeniable, and if he can adapt to the tactical demands at West Brom while regaining his confidence, there’s no reason why he can’t return to his best form.

 

Corberan will likely continue working closely with Wallace to fine-tune his role in the system, and if he can rediscover the spark that made him a top performer at Millwall, West Brom will have a valuable asset in their promotion push. However, for now, the former Millwall star faces an uphill battle to prove himself and deliver the performances expected of him at The Hawthorns.

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