Cheltenham Town are on the verge of completing their first loan signing of the January transfer window in West Brom’s prospect Cole Deeming.
In this article, we look at how the starlet could influence and benefit Cheltenham’s midfield for the remainder of the season.
Cole Deeming has already played three times for West Brom U21s in the Premier League 2 as well as experience playing in the Premier League International Cup.
In that competition, Deeming faced Juventus U21s and so is no stranger to playing against a high level of opposition.
Furthermore, he went out on loan to Truro City in the National League this season where he played four games and registered one goal and an assist for The Tinners.
His short spell in the National League will have no doubt influenced the way he approaches the game, given the National League is notoriously a high-intensity game that specialises in physicality.
His time there will make the step up to League Two less of a leap of faith and make him more ready than most youngsters tasting their first bit of experience of EFL football.
Many Baggies’ fans are touting Deeming to start for the men’s first team in just a matter of years and the decision from WBA to loan the 19-year-old out to a League Two club also backs this popular theory up.
Cole Deeming will be wanting to make a lasting impression not only to Robins gaffer Steve Cotterill, but to show those at WBA that he is ready to make the jump up to Championship football.
With youth, promise and motivation all on his side, Robins fans can be assured they will receive the best version of Deeming possible as he looks to compete for regular first-team football.
This is not the first time WBA have trusted Cheltenham Town with their promising youth prospects, most notably centre-back Caleb Taylor.
His time at Cheltenham catapulted his career, making first-team appearances for Bolton, Wycombe, West Brom and Millwall.
West Brom will be hoping for the same level of success that Caleb Taylor reached during his time with the Robins.
Following the early departure of loanee Isaac Hutchinson this January, Cheltenham will be looking to fill the void in the attacking midfielder department.
Cole Deeming fits the Isaac Hutchinson archetype as he brings creative freedom to the Robins midfield, driving forward at opposition defences with both pace and an impressive amount of skilful footwork.
With the likes of Luke Young and Ben Stevenson behind him often playing in a double pivot, this will ensure Deeming is allowed to flourish in the position he feels most comfortable in.
That said, Deeming is also able to play deep in midfield and will track back to the benefit of the team. A Cotterill side typically has every player chipping in to cover areas they might not be familiar with as they move as a collective unit.
While Deeming will spend most of his time up towards the top of the field, his ability to play deep could prove a valuable asset when getting hit on the break.
