Retired Nigeria international Sam Sodje has rated Semi Ajayi as the best player in a West Brom side battling with relegation at the halfway stage of the season.

The Super Eagles star has used his height to good advantage, winning 2.2 aerial duels per game and scored via headers against Liverpool and most recently against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while his strike vs Manchester City was eventually awarded as an own goal.

Of the twenty teams in the top-flight, the Baggies have the worst defensive record with 41 goals conceded in 18 games but ex-West Brom center back Sodje has insisted that Ajayi is not responsible for the club's defensive woes.

"I think he has scored three goals if you include the own goal awarded to Rúben Dias, but I will give it to him," Sodje told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"He has been the bright light in West Brom this season. Yes they have been conceding so many goals but I don't think the squad has helped him.

"In general he has had a good season for a defender to be scoring goals and performing well.

"He has made a few mistakes but you can give it to him because he's playing in a squad where they are struggling.

"I wish him well, I hope he keeps playing well for Nigeria's sake".

Ajayi and his West Brom teammates visit the London Stadium on Tuesday evening, hoping to make it two away wins in a row.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel