Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie believes the Baggies must bring in a creative midfielder and a striker when the winter transfer window opens at the start of next month, taking to Twitter to list these requirements.

The Baggies have failed to show enough quality in the final third throughout the 2021/22 campaign, initially showing promise when they scored four past Sheffield United and Cardiff City earlier in the season but failing to be clinical enough in front of goal with Callum Robinson slowing start after a fast start and loanee Jordan Hugill struggling to get on the scoresheet again this season.

However, the quality of their chance creation has also been questioned by some, including Sky Sports pundit and ex-Reading winger Jobi McAnuff who also went on to suggest manager Valerien Ismael's style of play was contributing to this issue.

Their inability to put the ball in the back of the net is now starting to have consequences, with Blackburn Rovers leapfrogging them in the table earlier this month and the likes of Fulham and AFC Bournemouth having the perfect chance to pull away as the favourites for automatic promotion again.

Currently holding the best defensive record in the Championship so far this season, conceding just 18 goals in 24 league matches, many people would argue it's clear to see where the Baggies need to improve next month.

Ex-Albion man Quashie is just one of those calling for reinforcements high up the pitch, with the likes of Daryl Dike, Callum Lang and Cauley Woodrow all being linked with a move to The Hawthorns in recent weeks.

But he isn't just calling for a striker, posting on Twitter after yesterday's 1-0 defeat against Derby County: "I'm a firm believer that if a manager plays three at the back it’s because he doesn’t trust some of the players to play in a back four.

"Facts are West Brom has always been a back four club with creativity in the last third.

"Bring in a creative midfielder and striker in January ASAP (as soon as possible)!"

The Verdict:

Although recruiting a striker is an obvious priority to most, there will be a mixed reaction to bringing in a creative midfielder due to various theories on why they aren't scoring enough recently.

Whilst some have solely blamed their inability to take chances, others have cited their lack of quality in the final third in general as a big reason why they have been unable to draws into victories and both points are valid.

In some games, Ismael's men have created more than enough chances to win games comfortably and with a clinical forward at their disposal, they may have been in the top two at this stage.

But their style of play does seem to be a barrier to their success at times because they look much better when the ball is on the floor - and created their two best chances yesterday when they played on the deck.

The players do need to take accountability for their performances too. Are some of the more long-serving players at The Hawthorns getting too comfortable? There may need to be a bit of a shake-up next month - and bringing in a striker and a creative midfielder would help this.