Semi Ajayi has revealed his unique approach to getting himself into new West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan's plans.
Ajayi has been out since the end of August after suffering an ankle injury and has revealed that he's been studying Corberan's training methods in order to hit the ground running on his return from injury.
With Steve Bruce being sacked and Corberan coming in, it's been a huge amount of change for the former Rotherham United man. To ensure he doesn't fall too far behind, the defender has been paying close attention to the Spaniard’s methods while he was out of the team.
Speaking to the Express and Star about this approach, Ajayi said: “I’ve been studying the way he likes to play and how the boys have been playing since he came in while I’ve been out.
“Now that I’ve come back into training, I don’t feel like that transition has been too hard because I’ve been doing a lot of my own work to make sure I was ready to hit the ground running."
Ajayi also revealed that Corberan is looking for his side to be fluid in their approach to games, whether that is tactically, formation or reacting to situations.
“He has lots of different ideas on how he wants us to play and different formations he believes can benefit us in certain situations.
“Everyone is very aware of what is expected from them, and that should stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
West Brom currently sit in the 21st and like Ajayi, they will need to hit the ground running once football returns after the World Cup break.
The Baggies showed their quality in the lead up to the prolonged break but will certainly need to do it again and more if they are to push themselves up the table.
The Verdict
It's certainly a unique approach from Ajayi and one that might help him adapt quicker.
Time will tell once football is back underway, but considering Corberan was only with the side for a matter of weeks prior to the World Cup break, he might not be too far behind his teammates.
West Brom have a talented squad, but they have missed the presence of Ajayi. Cutting out mistakes at the back is essential and the early signs are promising under Corberan.
But it's too soon to pass judgement and once Ajayi is back in the side and other players are back to full fitness, West Brom should start to rise up the table.