West Bromwich Albion defender Caleb Taylor’s loan spell at Cheltenham Town has proved to be a relative success.
In his first senior loan after graduating from the West Bromwich Albion academy at the beginning of last season, Taylor has earnt plaudits for his form at Whaddon Road.
Despite the Robins sitting just above the relegation zone, the defender has managed to consistently be a standout performer in Gloucestershire.
Even though rumours of his recall were circulating earlier in the season, the Baggies should adhere to their original plan and keep Taylor on his season-long loan at Cheltenham.
Taylor has started in the middle of the back three in each of his 21 opportunities from the start for Wade Elliot’s side.
The Robins primarily pay a three-centre-back formation, particularly their rigid 3-5-2, a continuation of former manager Michael Duff’s time at the club.
And Taylor was signed with the premise that he would be a good fit for the system.
The defender had worked in that role during Valerien Ismael’s reign at West Brom, where the Frenchman insisted on using 3-4-3 throughout the club’s youth team.
Taylor previously stated how big of an influence Ismael had been on him.
“I think he’s had an amazing influence on me, it’s my first experience of first-team football and tactically he knows a lot, he’s very experienced in the game as a player and a manager.
“As a former centre-back he gives me lots of tips with what to do, and I think I’ve learnt a lot from his time so far.”
“An amazing influence on me” 💬
— Louis Bent (@louisbent_) December 8, 2021
Albion youngster Caleb Taylor on the leadership of first-team boss Valerien Ismael 👀#WBA pic.twitter.com/xBa6CLjJeX
Taylor has worked well in the Robins’ back three, but would not fit in with new Albion boss Carlos Corberan’s system as it stands.
The Spaniard started off with a 3-4-3 formation, but soon changed to the 4-2-3-1 that has been used in every game since.
In terms of statistics, Taylor sits at the top of the EFL League One clearances chart, sitting above some household third-tier names.
The centre-back is aerially dominant as the statistics show, particularly inside his own 18-yard box, with him standing at a colossal 6,3″.
Elliot’s side undoubtedly faces more balls into the box than most in the third tier, with 23.6 Expected Goals (xG) encountered per 90 minutes played.
But still, someone needs to be there to defend them and that person more often than not is Taylor.
Only 19 years old as well, the defender has plenty of room for growth and his performances have taken many Baggies fans by surprise.
In his first professional loan, doubts were prominent about his ability to adapt to senior football.
But Taylor has wiped doubts aside as he catches the eye of many pundits across the third tier.
In terms of options for Corberan at his parent club, he has plenty of centre-backs to call upon – rather than the shortage seen towards the back end of last season which caused former boss Steve Bruce to give him first-team minutes.
Embed from Getty ImagesAll of Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Dara O’Shea, Kean Bryan and Erik Pieters are able to slot into the defence for the Spaniard’s side.
So there is no real urgency to recall the defender, and judging by Taylor’s reaction to the rumours of his recall – he seemed surprised that they were circulating.
“I haven’t spoken to them no,” said Taylor when asked about his future at the Robins.
“I’m happy here and playing regular football, so this is the best place for me right now.”
The player is happy, Albion are content whilst being in good form and there are plenty of options available to Corberan – so it is best for all parties to keep him where he is for the good of his development.
