Why Callum Styles is perfect blueprint for Bilkul-era West Brom transfer

That does not necessarily mean competitively in the Premier League - but it certainly means challenging to get there on a regular basis.

It was no surprise at all that Styles was last week rewarded for his excellent form with a new contract until 2030.

His consistent displays from left-back earned two club player of the season awards. There was no real contest there in an extremely poor season overall.

Styles, 26, is a player the Baggies must build around for the years ahead.

He is the perfect blueprint for a Bilkul-era Albion signing.

Whether it was Ian Pearce or the departed Andrew Nestor, or both, behind his addition there deserves credit.

The Hungary international checked in from lower-league Barnsley for a nominal fee aged 24, with some decent experience under his belt, and has found his feet and a home at The Hawthorns.

Styles came with a tag of a bit of a jack of all trades but has developed into a reliable left-back and with 82 Baggies appearances already he can further enhance his reputation as a fan favourite and one of the club's consistent performers.

The diminutive left-footer would have been a modest earner at the time of his arrival two years ago, during the first summer transfer window under Bilkul's ownership during a time the club remained mired in financial hardship, mostly due to the restraints of financial fair play.

He certainly merited improved terms of a new contract, therefore, and committing his future comes as a boost because rival clubs will have taken admiring glances.

Styles is something of a unique proposition given his profile, with the option of versatility. How many Championship left-backs are comfortable as a central midfielder at international level? And, by the way, albeit they are not at the World Cup, Hungary are no mugs.

Albion supporters took to him because of his attack-minded, forward-thinking nature. Styles' first thought is always to progress forward, to play on the front foot and try to attack.

With that in mind, one area he can improve is scoring goals. Three in his first Baggies season - two on the final day - and none last term is not enough for an attacking full-back of his quality.

There was always a question mark next to his defensive ability and it remains a little, but Styles has made huge strides in that department.

He is a tigerish player - standing at around 5ft 7ins he has to be - but positionally, and in the tackle, he has improved significantly. That nature came with 12 bookings last season, perhaps another area to improve on.

But overall Styles is exactly what Albion want and need in their transfer business. The likes of Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan arrive with less experience this summer but they can aspire to similar development.

If Albion do compete for Premier League promotion under Morrison, as is hoped and expected, Styles will play a key part.