The short answer: it depends.
Imagine this scenario: Lewis Dunk is sold, and so is Ben White.
Even when Matt Clarke returns, Duffy could find himself in the starting
position alongside Webster.
But its clear- the Irishman has struggled for gametime this season. He effectively had his starting spot taken by new signing Adam Webster.
Now, we must see whether he will continue to challenge for the starting eleven, or leave to another club.
Duffy This Season
He has 19 appearances and 12 starts. His only goal was at home versus
Norwich.
His passing stats have improved considerably from last season. 515/613 (84%
accuracy) completed passes, compared to last year with 990/1268 (78%
accuracy).
Duffy's defensive stats have decreased considerably, due to less game time
and not having to throw his body on the line every week. It was commonly
seen, week after week, for Dunk and Duffy to make ~25 clearances per game
last season. He only has 116 this season, compared to 302 last.
He still has an impressive 21 interceptions and 21 blocks. However, he has
only tackled 22% of dribblers.
Due to the more attacking style of play, he is often making medium-range
passes rather than constantly scraping the ball away and making blocks.
Some more positive stats for Duffy- 78% of aerial duels won, compared to 76%
last year.
Also, no penalties conceded.
The stats make it clear- he has grown in certain areas, but still has room
for improvement. In addition, he has maintained the defensive consistency he
was known for last season.
He actually begun the season as a starter, alongside Dunk and Burn in a back
three. However, Webster grew into the starting lineup quickly.
Even as we shifted to a back four, Duffy still lost his place and was forced
to sit on the bench. He also dealt with a few minor injuries and had to
serve international duty for Ireland.
He did receive the occasional start, when Webster was injured or Dunk wasn't
available. Even with these chances, he wasn't able to win Potter's
preference in the starting eleven.
However, pre-lockdown, Webster was in poor form, and was being heavily criticized by fans. He constantly made mistakes, poor desicions, and failed to complete simple things that Duffy was known for- like winning aerial duels. This lead to significant pressure for him to return.
Duffy received a few starts that showed ways he can fit in to the new
system. For instance, he was effective in a back three as the central
defender. We saw this at Sheffield United (A), and Everton (A).
He also received a start home to Watford. It was looking likely that he could continue to challenge for a spot, and maybe have re-earned his place by the final matchday.
Then, coronavirus would emerge.
The break in play would hurt Duffy significantly, because Webster returned
in sublime form. His overall play as a defender has improved since the
restart, and has been solid alongside Dunk.
Duffy has received no starts since the lockdown period.
So. Given the circumstances, and his overall play this season, should he
stay? Would he be able to fit into the starting eleven next season?
His Options
The Irishman will be concerned if Clarke and White both return to the
Albion. The two are coming from successful loan campaigns and will be
seeking to challenge for not only the third place, but for starting
center-half places.
Adam Webster has been Potter's favourite for much of the season. Its looking increasingly clear he will be a starter next season. The likelihood that Duffy will replace him is low.
On the other side, Lewis Dunk is not only a contender for player of the
year, but also the Albion captain. So long that he stays, his starting place
is cemented. Should he leave for a bigger club, the starting spot may be
there for Duffy to take. However, the returning loanees will be challenging,
and it will be up to him to fight for his place.
No matter what, he will always have a special place in Albion fans' hearts. From his goal versus Manchester United, to all of his heroic clearances.
Do you think he will stay? Leave a comment below.
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