Curtis Davies says West Bromwich Albion are now top dogs in the West Midlands.
The Birmingham City defender has also played for Albion and Aston Villa.
"Right now, in the Midlands, Albion have to be the best team because of the way they've started and the way they finished last season," he told the Sunday Mercury.
"You have to say so, because they've got a very strong squad and have brought in some top players. You would be a liar if you said anything else."