West Brom were relegated from the Premier League last season after an eight-year stay in the top-flight. 

Caretaker boss Darren Moore was named Premier League Manager of the Month on the same day that his side was relegated due to results elsewhere.

It was a sad season for all concerned with West Brom, but the ending meant that the Baggies started this campaign with confidence.

So far, Moore's side have won three games out of six and sit 9th in the table, however, they have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess, most notably in the 7-1 thrashing of QPR.

Many squads that come down are either littered with talent or populated with ageing, overrated players. West Brom have a good balance and looking at their squad, you have to wonder why they struggled so much last season.

Despite being mid-table, the Midlands side remain one of the favourites for promotion as they have a number of stars at their disposal.

Here, we look at the THREE most valuable players for the promotion hopefuls...

In a surprising turn for West Brom this season, Darren Moore opted to play Matty Phillips as a wing-back.

This has added a new dynamism to West Brom's play and the system is really getting the best out of the Scottish winger.

More so known for his terrific attacking play, where he offers pace and directness, Phillips is ever developing his defensive attributes in this new role and is very valuable to Darren Moore's side.

So much talk has been had around Jay Rodriguez for an alleged racist remark made at the expense of Brighton's Gaetan Bong last season, people may have forgotten what an admirable footballer he is on his day.

In the new system, he plays up top, just off the prolific Dwight Gayle. The Albion forwards have scored seven times between them.

Rodriguez is the penalty taker, scoring three penalties. The deadly duo will be looking to grow their partnership further, as Rodriguez takes the role as 'creator' to work with his new partner.

When Newcastle were promoted in 2016/17, Dwight Gayle was one of the shining lights. His goals that season paved the way for the Magpies to romp to the Championship title in terrific fashion.

Despite this, Gayle didn't quite cut it in the top-flight. He struggled for form and game time in the Premier League, so accepted that he may need to take a step back in the form of dropping a division to West Brom in the Championship.

So far, he is replicating his goalscoring form of two seasons ago, most recently with a brace against Stoke in a very impressive win for the Baggies.

Should West Brom be promoted this season, I am certain Dwight Gayle will be central to that.

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