Five reasons why Bakary Sako should come good at West Brom

Here Adam Virgo picks out five reasons why the 30-year-old should come good for the Baggies.

Dribbling, power and speed

There aren't many players in the Championship who possess all of those attributes but Bakary Sako definitely does.

His dribbling ability, along with the speed and power can make him unplayable on his day - especially in the Championship, where he's done so well previously.

He successfully completed 114 dribbles in the 2014/15 Championship season whilst playing for Wolves, the most in the division - ten more than second-placed Michail Antonio.

During that spell he was predominantly utilised on the left flank and opposition full-backs were regularly left chasing shadows when up against him.

Even though he played in a slightly different role against Blackburn, he can still use his dribbling ability to good effect and proved that by completing two dribbles against the Lancashire side, the joint most in the game, albeit only playing for 60 minutes.

End product

As well as Sako's ability to dribble the ball, he's also got the end product to go with it. Whether it be goals or assists, he can certainly come up with the goods.

He was used sparingly at Crystal Palace last season, but at Championship level his record is phenomenal, racking up 15 goals in 41 appearances over the course of the 2014/15 campaign.

He also amassed ten assists that season too - making for a very productive stint in the second tier.

Playing in a more advanced role at Albion, you'd imagine that he could be even more effective if given the chance.

Match-winner

When you need a player to score a late goal or provide something special in a tight game, Sako could be the guy to turn to if Albion's other stars are mis-firing.

On his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa, he scored the winning goal late on to give the London side all three points with a delightful finish.

Similarly, he cropped up with a winning goal against Burnley last season too.

He certainly has the ability in his locker to win a game or produce something special when needed - and not only in the top flight.

He was regularly the man to step forward for Wolves, and whilst not quite as prevalent at Palace, that quality could be coaxed out once again.

Experienced and proven

When you think of attacking players who are proven in the Championship, Sako has earned the right to be on that list.

But whilst he's certainly well-versed in the second tier, he also has lots of Premier League experience to call on as well - with over 40 appearances in England's top division.

Including his one appearance for Albion so far this term, the Malian has totalled 162 league games in English football, with the majority being in the Championship or higher.

That experience, mixed with his ability, should make him a valuable asset to Darren Moore - and someone to rely on if needed.

Thrives in an attacking side

Sako is definitely a player who will perform better in a side wanting to attack rather than defend.

Going forward is his forte and playing in a side such as Albion's will only benefit him - given that their attacking style will suit him.

Whilst he is comfortable on the left flank, it's unlikely that he'll be relied upon to track back in a wing-back position if Darren Moore keeps his 3-4-1-2 formation going.

However, stepping in as cover for Dwight Gayle or Jat Rodriguez he could certainly do a job without needing to think too much about defensive duties.

With West Brom currently the leading goalscorers in the Championship, he could chip in with a few strikes of his own if he's given his fair share of minutes this season.