Right-back Alex Williams believes Albion’s U21s must take advantage of recent form when they host Southampton at Keys Park on Monday evening (ko 6pm).
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Having lost three on the bounce, the young Baggies turned in an eye-catching performance to defeat Arsenal 3-0 last time out - with Wales youth international Williams a key cog in the back-line which kept a clean sheet in Staffordshire.
The Warwick-born defender, who has skippered his nation in recent years, endured a hit-and-miss start to the 2023/24 campaign after fracturing his tibial plateau. But as last Monday’s triumph over the Gunners exhibited, the right-sided full-back is back to producing his best.
And the 19-year-old believe his teammates can capitalise on their current momentum by claiming another Premier League 2 win when they play the Saints, while individually, Alex is keen to continue the “good place” he finds himself in with the hope of progressing further next season.
He said: “We set out a clear game plan against Arsenal, we were all in tune with what each other’s jobs were and we were confident of executing it.
“They were struggling to create chances and it was a very positive in terms of doing what we set out to do and hopefully that’ll give us the confidence needed to carry out our plans for the next two games coming up.
“Bealey’s made a real point of showing us different sides of the game which might prepare some of us for next season who want to go out on loan.
“I’m not afraid to say I’m not one of the boys in the group who’s going to be shouting away. In Wales, a leadership role’s been put on me because in the 2005 age bracket, I’m one of the older lads.
“The responsibility in international games of being captain has been put on me and I love it when that happens. Should that opportunity arise here, or if I go out on loan, then I’d certainly grasp it because I love the responsibility of having that senior role in the team.
“Coming back from my first major injury this season was very difficult for me. I fractured my tibial plateau, so it was very painful but not as bad as it could’ve been.
“It took me four games to get to where I am now and I’m in a very good place at the moment, I’m happy with where I’m at and hopefully I can carry that through till the end of the season.
“I look back on this fixture coming up with positive memories and I played my first 21s match against Southampton as a first-year scholar.
"Those moments shape you as a player because it’s not easy. Ollie Bostock and Cole Deeming will know about that this year, but they’ve done very well playing alongside us.
“These games mould you into a better player and help you handle pressure while putting in good performances.
“As a team, we’re in a very good place right now. We want to end the season on a high to give us opportunities next season, but these next games are there for the taking in my eyes.
“We know how good Southampton and Brighton are, two Premier League sides in stature and resources, good players, and we know some of their players having played them as U18s so we realise they’ll be tough matches.
“But we love a challenge, as well as being underdogs when we go up against these big teams so we’ll enjoy it and do our best to get a positive result to start the week off right.”
How to follow the match
Tickets will be available on the gate at Keys Park for Albion's PL2 clash against Southampton on Monday night.
They are priced at £5 adults and £1 concessions, while Albion season ticket holders are able to watch the game for free.
WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 5.20pm.
