' THESE ARE THE CARDIFF CITY PLAYERS THAT ARE IMPRESSING '
Wed Jul 27, 2016 6:28 am
The in-form Cardiff City XI: These are the players who impressed the most on the Bluebirds' pre-season tour
Wednesday 27th July 2016
BY PHIL SMITH
The in-form Cardiff City 11
With many players returning from fitness and a game against Bournemouth to come, Paul Trollope's first competitive team remains a mystery.
Team of the Tour in the 3-5-2 system Cardiff have mostly used.
David Marshall - GK
The goalkeeper picks himself and has been in typically good form on tour. He hasn't been called into action much and credit must go to Ben Wilson who was very good in his half hour outing against St Pauli.
Fabio - RWB
Fabio looks to be an early winner of the switch to a 3-5-2 and was arguably Cardiff's most consistent attacking outlet. His delivery has been excellent and on this form he could add some assists to his game this season.
Lee Peltier - RCB
Only played 45 minutes in the game against Bochum but it was an excellent cameo that reminded everyone what a reliable, smart defender he is. A great, dependable man to have in a Championship squad.
Semi Ajayi - CB
Both he and Peltier will probably make way for Manga and Morrison when fit but Ajayi has been excellent. Dominant in the air, his wonderful long ball to release Gounongbe for the penalty against Bochum was the best moment of quality in the game.
Matthew Connolly - LCB
Has marshalled his younger centre-backs brilliantly and has emerged as a real on pitch leader for the Bluebirds'. His comfort on the ball will be crucial if the 3-5-2 is not to become predictable.
Declan John - LWB
It's been a remarkable turnaround for the youngster, who has gone from being outcast last season to a virtual ever present so far. The big test will be when he has to defend against the Championship's best but he could not have done more here.
Peter Whittingham - DM
The heartbeat of Cardiff's attempts to take more possession of the ball, his been the key reason the wing-backs have had such an enjoyable tour. It has also been reassuring to see that every set-piece he takes looks like it's going to end up in the back of the net.
Stuart O'Keefe - CM
O'Keefe played 120 minutes in the Osnabruck tournament and at the end looked like he'd just been out to take his dog for a morning walk. That astonishing energy will be key to protecting Whittingham and he is better on the ball than many give him credit for.
Lex Immers - CAM
An emphatic finish gave Cardiff the lead against FC St Pauli and with Zohore and Gounongbe still finding their feet, he will need to chip in with goals this season. On this evidence that will not be a problem.
Joe Ralls - CAM
Was probably the best player on the pitch in the truncated game against RW Ahlen and brings poise on the ball as well as a very good work-rate. Played higher up the pitch against Bochum and that is yet another midfield role he is comfortable with.
Anthony Pilkington - CF
He and Immers have a great understanding and both have the intelligence to rotate constantly while ensuring the midfield and defence aren't exposed. Pilkington has had a fine tour, strong on the ball excellent in front of goal.
Wednesday 27th July 2016
BY PHIL SMITH
The in-form Cardiff City 11
With many players returning from fitness and a game against Bournemouth to come, Paul Trollope's first competitive team remains a mystery.
Team of the Tour in the 3-5-2 system Cardiff have mostly used.
David Marshall - GK
The goalkeeper picks himself and has been in typically good form on tour. He hasn't been called into action much and credit must go to Ben Wilson who was very good in his half hour outing against St Pauli.
Fabio - RWB
Fabio looks to be an early winner of the switch to a 3-5-2 and was arguably Cardiff's most consistent attacking outlet. His delivery has been excellent and on this form he could add some assists to his game this season.
Lee Peltier - RCB
Only played 45 minutes in the game against Bochum but it was an excellent cameo that reminded everyone what a reliable, smart defender he is. A great, dependable man to have in a Championship squad.
Semi Ajayi - CB
Both he and Peltier will probably make way for Manga and Morrison when fit but Ajayi has been excellent. Dominant in the air, his wonderful long ball to release Gounongbe for the penalty against Bochum was the best moment of quality in the game.
Matthew Connolly - LCB
Has marshalled his younger centre-backs brilliantly and has emerged as a real on pitch leader for the Bluebirds'. His comfort on the ball will be crucial if the 3-5-2 is not to become predictable.
Declan John - LWB
It's been a remarkable turnaround for the youngster, who has gone from being outcast last season to a virtual ever present so far. The big test will be when he has to defend against the Championship's best but he could not have done more here.
Peter Whittingham - DM
The heartbeat of Cardiff's attempts to take more possession of the ball, his been the key reason the wing-backs have had such an enjoyable tour. It has also been reassuring to see that every set-piece he takes looks like it's going to end up in the back of the net.
Stuart O'Keefe - CM
O'Keefe played 120 minutes in the Osnabruck tournament and at the end looked like he'd just been out to take his dog for a morning walk. That astonishing energy will be key to protecting Whittingham and he is better on the ball than many give him credit for.
Lex Immers - CAM
An emphatic finish gave Cardiff the lead against FC St Pauli and with Zohore and Gounongbe still finding their feet, he will need to chip in with goals this season. On this evidence that will not be a problem.
Joe Ralls - CAM
Was probably the best player on the pitch in the truncated game against RW Ahlen and brings poise on the ball as well as a very good work-rate. Played higher up the pitch against Bochum and that is yet another midfield role he is comfortable with.
Anthony Pilkington - CF
He and Immers have a great understanding and both have the intelligence to rotate constantly while ensuring the midfield and defence aren't exposed. Pilkington has had a fine tour, strong on the ball excellent in front of goal.
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Re: ' THESE ARE THE CARDIFF CITY PLAYERS THAT ARE IMPRESSING
Wed Jul 27, 2016 7:15 am
Interesting article, I must admit at the moment I am scratching my head as too what the starting eleven will be at Birmingham on day one, its, like the friendlies have made it more confusing, I guess against Bournemouth on Saturday, we may see something close to the starting eleven, what do you think it will be? 
Re: ' THESE ARE THE CARDIFF CITY PLAYERS THAT ARE IMPRESSING
Wed Jul 27, 2016 10:43 am
Quite a conundrum to decipher who will start the season. Must admit I'm surprised not to see Freddy Goungongbe included in this list, given his goals pre season and the plaudits for his all round play. Think we need to start the season with a a recognised striker up top.