Albion defender Caleb Taylor believes he has a “massive opportunity” to shine and improve at Albion over the next few seasons.
The 21-year-old academy graduate penned a new four-year contract earlier this week, a deal which runs until the summer of 2028.
Caleb has experienced senior football both at The Hawthorns and away from it, featuring nine times for the Baggies as well as spending time out on loan at Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers.
The towering centre-back admitted it was easy decision to extend his stay at the club and is adamant he can continue to take huge steps forwards in his career under the guidance of head coach Carlos Corberán.
Taylor said: “I’m so proud to sign a new contract. I’ve been here so long and I’ve always wanted to be in the senior side and make it here.
“To sign a long-term contract makes me feel really proud and also really happy.
“It was definitely an easy decision to make. As soon as I got the text through saying I’d been offered a new contract I was buzzing and I remember shouting up to my girlfriend.
“It was an easy decision to make. It took a little while to sort a few bits and bobs out, but when I did sign, it was a mixture of relief and happiness.
“The length of the contract shows that the club have put a lot of faith in me. That makes me really happy and I just want to repay that faith.
“I want to play a lot of games and be successful in the first team now.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a coach like Carlos Corberán. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had and he’s taught me so much.
“I’ve only been with him for 18 months, but I’ve developed a lot as a player in that time.
“He’s helped me become a better player and he’s offered so many tips, both in possession and out of possession. His main focus with me has been concentration levels for the whole game and being focused on the little things.
“He’s also been helping me with my positioning when we have the ball and when the other team have it.
“Other things such as being high, being aggressive and my body shape he’s helped me with too.
“He offers so much detail which has helped me develop.
“I think there’s a great chance and big opportunity to progress and make improvements to my game.
“I have a massive opportunity this year and over the next few years. I think the main areas where I’d like to make improvements would be playing more games and bringing on my fitness levels.
“I want to improve technically and tactically too. I want to get better and better and hopefully play a lot of games in the Championship.”
The promising youngster revealed he’s received plenty of support and advice from several senior players at Albion since joining the first-team group.
Captain Jed Wallace and defender Kyle Bartley got a special mention from Caleb.
“Everyone has helped me a lot. All of the senior lads are really helpful.
“That’s been the case since I’ve come into the first team, or even started training with the first team as a seventeen-year-old.
“Lots of players have given me advice, but I definitely think Jed Wallace as skipper has been a real help. He’s always talking to me.
“Kyle Bartley is another. He’s a centre-back too and he has so much experience. He’s always helped me and given me plenty of advice.”
