West Brom captain Jed Wallace has opened up about his reduced role in the new season, showing a level of professionalism that’s set him apart as a key leader in the dressing room.
Despite a significant reduction in his game time this season, Wallace has remained positive and focused on the club’s success rather than his individual playing minutes. The 30-year-old, who featured in 42 league games last season and all 46 the season before, has started this campaign on the bench for all six Championship fixtures, accumulating just 94 minutes as a substitute.
For many players, this shift in status might trigger frustration or dissent, but Wallace has shown a refreshing attitude. Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands, via Birmingam World, the versatile forward made it clear that his priority is the success of the team, not his personal playing statistics. Wallace’s selfless mindset is especially evident as he highlights the form of 21-year-old winger Tom Fellows, who has taken his place in the starting lineup and impressed early in the season.
“I’ve started 45 games a season for seven or eight years, so I’m not going to throw my toys out of the pram or have a ding-dong after four or five games on the bench,” Wallace explained. “If I sit and come on for 20 minutes and we win every game, I’ll be a happy man at the end of the season.”
Wallace’s mature approach to his reduced involvement is underscored by his understanding of the bigger picture. His target for the season is clear: promotion for West Brom. “Everyone in the dressing room has their individual targets. My target was not how many minutes I could play, it was how we could get this club promoted. That’s my primary target,” Wallace stated.
He further praised Fellows, acknowledging the young winger’s outstanding form. “Tom is playing that well you could probably take any other right winger in the whole league and they’d be sat there watching, because he’s at the top of his game right now,” Wallace added.
Wallace’s commitment to the team extends beyond his own role on the pitch. In the last year, he’s taken on various duties, whether stepping in for striker Josh Maja or playing up front when needed. This versatility and willingness to adapt has made him a valuable asset to manager Carlos Corberan, who relies on Wallace’s leadership both on and off the field.
“I’ve been playing different roles in the last seven or eight months, coming on for Josh [Maja] or playing up front last season. I’ll do whatever the manager asks me and will always support him,” Wallace said.
This team-first mentality is likely what earned Wallace the captain’s armband in the first place, and it’s why he remains such a central figure at The Hawthorns. Wallace’s experience, combined with his positive attitude, is key to maintaining the strong sense of unity in the West Brom squad as they navigate the demanding Championship season.
Writer’s View
Jed Wallace’s approach to his diminished playing time is a testament to his leadership qualities. Rather than letting frustration take over, he has focused on supporting his teammates and contributing whenever needed. His perspective is refreshing in a sport where individual playing time can often overshadow team goals. Wallace’s ability to put the club’s promotion ambitions above personal glory speaks volumes about his character and why he continues to hold such respect within the squad.
West Brom are fortunate to have a captain who can lead both by example on the pitch and through his attitude off it. As long as the togetherness that Wallace champions remains intact, West Brom will be in a strong position to challenge for promotion this season, regardless of who is playing the most minutes.
Editor In Chief