New boy Semi Ajayi refuses to set any targets – but there’s no doubt Albion’s set-piece potency got a boost with his acquisition.
Semi has joined the Baggies on a four-year contract and already has the distinction of being one of the few players able to look down on 6ft-plus Head Coach Slaven Bilic.
That advantage was undoubtedly a factor in Albion’s new player scoring eight goals for his former club Rotherham United last season – and that was no co-incidence.
“I was always a threat from set pieces and able to get on the end of things but my conversion rate was not good enough,” said Semi.
“I did a lot of work on that and last season it paid off for me. I wouldn’t say I have a target because my job is to keep the ball out of our net. But I hope to weigh in with some goals again.”
Albion fans will wait to see where Bilic intends to accommodate Semi in his plans for next season as the player is capable as either a central defender or a defensive midfielder.
But he is for now content to have clinched a move which has filled him with excitement for the campaign ahead.
“I got a whisper towards the end of last season that Albion were watching me although I didn’t hear any more,” he said.
“I went away to play for Nigeria and thought nothing more of it but when I came back things began to start rumbling again.
“I loved the fact that they were so keen to sign me and I’ve come into the club and found really nice facilities and good people. The lads have been great welcoming me.
“I know I’m not the finished article and I feel I can improve. I am playing alongside some top defenders and I think I can learn a great deal from them.
“For me it doesn’t matter where you are in the league – top or bottom. I want to win every game and I prepare like that. But I want to play at the highest level and it’s exciting to be joining a club that wants to get back there.”
