De Cuyper: 'There's a great togetherness in the squad'

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Albion's squad has evolved after some experienced faces left in the summer, according to our Dutch defender.

Bruce Talbot

2026-10-24T07:00+01:00

Maxim De Cuyper prepares for Sunday's test at Anfield. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Maxim De Cuyper believes the turnover of players during the summer has fostered an even better level of collective maturity in Albion's squad.

Albion lost some big players including Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Adam Webster and Solly March but have overcome that by making a great start to the season.

They head to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool third in the Premier League on an unbeaten run of eight games in all competitions.

“I think it changed a lot because a lot of players who left the team had a big impact last season,” De Cuyper said. “It gave some opportunities for players who are here now to step up and grow in their role. That's one of the reasons it's going well at the moment, because we have to take responsibility now.”

“Last year we were counting a little bit more on the boys who were used to doing it. There’s a difference. It's difficult to explain, but we're just happy that it's going well now.”

Albion celebrate their third goal against Crystal Palace. Maxim De Cuyper says there is a real bond among the players.

Part of that on-pitch success has been De Cuyper’s own attacking output - the Dutchman has scored four goals this season.

“You get into positions to score a goal a lot more if you play a little bit higher up the pitch,” he said. “I definitely wanted to score more goals in general, but I was not really thinking at the end of last season ‘I have to score more, I want to score more.’ I just get more opportunities, and I'm getting in more positions to score a goal.”

Those tactical tweaks are supported by a strong camaraderie in a united dressing room.

“We are just one team with so many nationalities, and that's not easy to become a group. I think we're doing that really well,” De Cuyper added. “I have the feeling everyone is good with everyone. Everyone is ready to fight for each other, and that's the most important thing for me.”

That spirit will be essential on Sunday and De Cuyper is under no illusions about the cauldron that awaits them at Anfield.

“You know how their fans can be. It's going to be a new challenge for us, but on the pitch we just have to do the same what we've been doing for weeks now, and hopefully we can take something there.”