Matej Vydra: What Sort of Striker Are West Brom Getting?

According to the Express & Star, Matej Vydra has been in talks to sign a season-long loan deal with West Bromwich Albion this week—just in time for the new 2013-14 Premier League season.

Now the club have confirmed the deal, and at long last Steve Clarke has acted to add some firepower up front.

Loanee Romelu Lukaku was a resounding success last season, notching 17 goals and four assists in just 20 league starts and single-handedly revamping the West Brom forward line.

He gave Clarke the option to play 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or even 4-4-2, as his physicality, blend of skills and beast-like playing style opened up so many avenues to work with.

In Vydra, West Brom won't be getting that, but they've still secured themselves a top-notch signing at a bargain price.

Their new Czech Republic international is a pure speedster, but unlike many in that ilk—Gabby Agbonlahor and Theo Walcott, for example—he has an understanding of the game that belies his years.

Extremely quick young players often take several seasons to build an innate decision-making process that enables them to assess their options at full speed, but Vydra is already capable.

That alone suggests he's set to blossom quickly with more first-team football—particularly at the highest level—and his rapid rise from Jihlava to Udinese in just three years supports that theory.

He's a clever player, and from his 22-goal haul for Watford last season, we were able to deduce a lot.

Aside from the obvious searing pace, he's able to bend his runs to ensure he stays onside and retains exemplary close control when dribbling through on goal—again, an appreciation for what both the ball-player and the defensive line are doing simultaneously.

Again, for the basis of comparison, Fraizer Campbell's second touch when going one vs. one with Gorka Iraizoz here is awful, and it's clear his technical ability does not match his physicals.

Technically Vydra does seem capable, and although he'll need to work hard to adapt, he's got several factors working to his advantage.

Shane Long is a rather similar players—both appear classic poachers on the surface—and Long has carved out a successful Premier League career. Vydra will be able to take a lot from Long on the training ground, and it will only be a few months until he usurps him.

The Czech forward can also play from the right side, enabling he and Nicolas Anelka to team up in Clarke's favoured 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations.

Playing him as a No. 10 may be too much too soon, but given his track record for rapid growth and development, it may not be long before he can fulfill such a role.

The Baggies have secured a great signing on the cheap, and their strike force looks complete. It's taken a little longer than fans will have wanted, but Clarke has pulled a masterstroke with five days to spare.