New arrival Brayann Pereira can provide the best of both worlds at right-back as he joins the Baggies on Deadline Day.
The young defender, who has also filled in on the right of a back three during his time in the Netherlands with NEC Nijmegen, has proved himself within the Eredivisie across the last three seasons.
And with attacking talents and defensive ability at his disposal, the Frenchman could offer additional balance as an option within the Baggies’ back line.
Here’s how the numbers match up…
A poignant example of his recent work comes at Dutch top-flight outfit NEC, where he moved from his native France after several senior appearances in 2024.
The club defied the odds to achieve their highest-ever finish in the Eredivisie (3rd) last season, and in the process took full advantage of the shift in dominance across the Netherlands with Ajax falling behind in the pecking order once again.
And the success of their results wasn’t the only impressive thing. Their expansive style of play under Dick Schreuder also gathered plenty of plaudits en route to displacing the likes of Ajax, AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente in the league standings.
NEC were second in the Eredivisie for goals scored last term, and amassed almost 60 per cent of the possession share per match - the third-highest in the division.
It’s clear to see Brayann was a key part of Schreuder’s system and the team’s prosperity across the 2025/26 season.
Often found marauding down the right side of the field out of the defensive unit, Pereira ranked in the top three per cent of Eredivisie defenders for expected assists (xA), managing 0.22 xA per 90 minutes played and finishing the season on three assists.
Adding to his creative arsenal, the 23-year-old perched within the top four per cent for big chances created (0.31 per 90), largely as a product of his uniquely impressive dribbling prowess, where he could be seen using his speed to put distance between himself and opposing players.
Once in those positions, he showed adept crossing ability, completing 0.54 successful deliveries per match - one of the better performers in the Dutch top flight.
It’s clear he generates some consistency in getting forward too, averaging a healthy amount of touches in the opposition box in comparison to his fellow defenders in the division.
But what about his defensive ability? Especially since his side had one of the leakier defences across the Eredivisie top half during the last campaign, as they conceded 53 goals.
Well, he dominates the majority of his physical duels, especially across the floor, as he ranks in the top six per cent of defenders for the metric - winning an average of 7.34 per 90 minutes played.
The former France youth international places in the highest three per cent for tackles won (3.17 per 90), and could often be found snuffing out mazy runs of opposition attackers during his time in Nijmegen.
And it’s those kinds of metrics Albion can come to rely on when bringing Pereira to The Hawthorns, with him set to bolster their defensive ranks on the final day of the summer transfer window.
