When Ryan Mason, Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion walked onto the pitch at the club’s training base in Bad Erlach, Austria, on July 11, 2025, he already knew the result would spark conversation. The pre‑season friendly against Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv ended 1‑1, but Mason was more interested in the nuances he saw – tactical fluidity, collective grit and a squad that embraced a grueling week of drills. In a match played behind closed doors, exactly 21 players featured for the Baggies, each tasked with translating a week‑long training plan into real‑time action.
Background: A week of intensity in Austria
The seven‑day camp started on July 4, 2025, when the squad arrived at the Bad Erlach facility for daily sessions that blended high‑press drills, positional rondos and stamina blocks. Mason admitted the schedule was "tough" and "intense," but he insisted it was deliberate. "We wanted the guys to feel fatigue and still make the right decisions," he said in a post‑match interview. The club’s media arm, WBA TV, filmed every training hour, allowing the coaching staff to review footage late into the evenings.
Match details: How the 1‑1 unfolded
Early on, West Brom pressed high, forcing Dynamo Kyiv into a back‑four that struggled to retain shape. A breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Nat Phillips, newly signed from Liverpool, rose above the Kyiv defence to head a corner into the net. Kyiv answered ten minutes later through a slick one‑two that left Josh Griffiths scrambling for a fingertip save before the ball crossed the line. The second half saw both sides swap possession fluidly; Mason noted the Baggies “played well both with and without the ball.”
Key player performances
Beyond Phillips, several newcomers made their mark. Norwegian striker Aune Heggebo showed a knack for pressing, while full‑backs Darnell Furlong and Callum Styles contributed overlapping runs that created space for the midfield trio. Veteran forward Josh Maja displayed his characteristic aerial threat, reminding fans why he topped the club’s scoring charts in 2024‑25 despite a prolonged injury spell. Even goalkeeper Josh Griffiths earned praise for his composure under pressure, a rarity for a player who started the game over the more experienced Joe Wildsmith.
Coach Mason’s assessment
"I'm really pleased with so many elements of the game today," Mason said, echoing his earlier remarks. He highlighted three specific take‑aways: tactical discipline, mental resilience, and squad unity. "Everyone bought into what we want to do and there was a togetherness," he added. While acknowledging areas for improvement – such as set‑piece organisation and transitional speed – Mason emphasized that the week’s fatigue was a useful stress test. "Normally you wouldn't go into a game physically fatigued, but that’s part of pre‑season. We need to learn to play under that stress," he explained.
Future fixtures and season outlook
After the Austrian stint, the Baggies will return to the UK for two more friendlies – a home clash against Championship side Cardiff City and an away match versus Premier League outfit Leeds United. Those games will serve as the final dress rehearsal before the Championship season kicks off on August 3, 2025. Mason hinted that the squad’s progress "excites" him, especially given the narrow margin of the Kyiv draw. The club also faces a contract decision on Maja, whose deal runs until June 30, 2026; senior officials reportedly urged Mason to keep the striker for another season.
Why this matters to Baggies fans
For supporters, the friendly offered a glimpse of how a refreshed squad might tackle the rigours of a 46‑game league campaign. The tactical tweaks – higher pressing, quicker ball circulation and a more fluid back line – align with Mason’s vision of a Baggies side that can challenge for promotion. Moreover, the successful integration of new signings like Phillips and Heggebo suggests the summer transfer window has delivered value. If the squad can replicate the resilience shown against a Europa‑League‑standard opponent, the upcoming months could bring a surge in confidence and, potentially, an early push up the table.
- Match result: West Brom 1‑1 Dynamo Kyiv
- Date & venue: July 11, 2025, Bad Erlach, Austria
- Key scorers: Nat Phillips (West Brom), Dynamo Kyiv forward (unnamed)
- New signings featured: Nat Phillips, Aune Heggebo
- Next fixtures: Cardiff City (home), Leeds United (away)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this friendly affect West Brom's promotion hopes?
The draw against a Champions League‑qualified side shows the squad can compete against high‑calibre opposition. If the tactical cohesion Mason praised continues, it could translate into points against Championship rivals, boosting the club’s promotion chances.
Who were the standout players for West Brom?
Nat Phillips impressed with his aerial presence, scoring the opening goal. Josh Maja reminded everyone of his finishing instincts, while Aune Heggebo showed energy on the press. Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths kept a clean sheet for the first half.
What tactical changes did Mason implement during the match?
Mason emphasised a high‑pressing shape, quick transitions, and positional interchange between full‑backs and midfielders. The team also experimented with a three‑centre‑back block when defending set‑pieces.
When and where is West Brom's next pre‑season game?
The Baggies return to England for a home friendly against Cardiff City on July 18, 2025, followed by an away match versus Leeds United on July 22, 2025.
Will Josh Maja stay at West Brom beyond 2026?
His contract runs until June 30, 2026, and club officials have urged Mason to retain him. A decision is expected during the upcoming transfer window, based on performance and fitness.
