Luke Hatfield from The Express and Star reckons that Jake Livermore might struggle to fit into new West Brom manager Valerien Ismael’s plans.
Livermore has been a regular in the Baggies midfield for the best part of the last five years, but wasn’t fancied by Sam Allardyce last season – playing just 16 minutes in their final 14 league matches.
The 31-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Hawthorns and is yet to decide whether he’ll be staying with the club long-term.
However, heading into the new campaign, the former Tottenham midfielder is the current club captain, although that could yet change depending on what new manager Ismael decides moving forward.
Livermore turns 32 by the end of the year, though, and Hatfield has raised questions over whether his age and fitness will allow him to fit into the Frenchman’s plans next season.
He told The Transfer Tavern:
“Obviously, he wants to play this energetic, high-press. Does Jake Livermore suit that?
“I suppose there are question marks over it, although I do think he has the athletic capability and if he’s in good shape, he would be able to fill that role.”
Whether or not Livermore is first-choice, next season his experience and know-how of the Championship makes him a figure that Ismael should definitely want to keep around.