A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 1:00 am
The Cardiff City defence was one of their strongest departments from last season as they leaked 51 goals and the real problem lied at the opposite end of the field.
The Bluebirds back four notched up 14 clean sheets and were barely beaten heavily after only allowing 3 goals past David Marshall in a single Championship game on 2 separate occasions.
The Welsh side finished in 8th position that led to Russell Slade being dismissed for not delivering their target of a top six finish.
However, nobody could question the commitment and consistent displays from the Bluebirds defence.
This will be the biggest year in Trollope’s career and after the European Championships are over with Wales, he will be knuckling down to make sure his side retain and bring in the right players for the new season.
The Cardiff boss will reflect on the side’s defensive performances over the summer, but from what he has witnessed so far, he will not be looking to change the back line enormously.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies Cardiff City’s dream defence under Paul Trollope for next season…
MATTHEW CONNOLLY
The Bluebirds central defender was deservedly awarded with the Cardiff City player of the year for his consistent performances and he will be looking to improve on his excellent season.
Trollope has already witnessed his impressive displays and he will be looking to keep one of his prized defenders at the club.
Connolly is an instrumental figure who leads the back line tremendously. He is organised and significantly helps out his defensive partners.
BRUNO ECUELE MANGA
The Gabon international has been extremely unlucky during his spell at Cardiff City and has been unable to live up to the £5 million price tag that brought him to South Wales.
The central defender suffered an injury plagued 2015/2016 season with continuous knee and groin problems and also became infected with malaria.
However, whenever Manga has appeared in a blue shirt, you can witness an enormous amount of potential that has seen him being linked with sides in the Premier League over the past few months.
Trollope should do his utmost to keep the defender at the club over the summer, whom if remains fit, would be an excellent partner for Connolly.
FABIO
Trollope is a real fan of the Brazilian full back and looks likely to be ahead in the pecking order to Scott Malone for the first Championship fixture of the new season.
The full back is known for his energetic attacking abilities as he constantly overlaps his wingers to offer support. He will be looking for more starts this season under the new boss after appearing just 26 times in all competitions.
However, the Brazilian does need to improve the defensive side to his game over the summer, as he often over plays near his own 18 yard box.
CHRIS GUNTER
The club has not had an impressive right back since the days of Kevin McNaughton who was labelled as a legend for his consistent performances over the years.
This is an area where Trollope needs to strengthen as Lee Peltier has been very average this year and hardly sets the world alight.
A former right back that would be welcomed back with open arms at the Cardiff City stadium is Chris Gunter.
The Reading defender, who is currently on international duty with Wales at the European Championships in France is a full back that is very much suited to the Championship and someone who makes the right back position is own.
Is this realistically Cardiff’s dream defence for next season? Would you change the defence from last season or bring in new additions?
The Bluebirds back four notched up 14 clean sheets and were barely beaten heavily after only allowing 3 goals past David Marshall in a single Championship game on 2 separate occasions.
The Welsh side finished in 8th position that led to Russell Slade being dismissed for not delivering their target of a top six finish.
However, nobody could question the commitment and consistent displays from the Bluebirds defence.
This will be the biggest year in Trollope’s career and after the European Championships are over with Wales, he will be knuckling down to make sure his side retain and bring in the right players for the new season.
The Cardiff boss will reflect on the side’s defensive performances over the summer, but from what he has witnessed so far, he will not be looking to change the back line enormously.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies Cardiff City’s dream defence under Paul Trollope for next season…
MATTHEW CONNOLLY
The Bluebirds central defender was deservedly awarded with the Cardiff City player of the year for his consistent performances and he will be looking to improve on his excellent season.
Trollope has already witnessed his impressive displays and he will be looking to keep one of his prized defenders at the club.
Connolly is an instrumental figure who leads the back line tremendously. He is organised and significantly helps out his defensive partners.
BRUNO ECUELE MANGA
The Gabon international has been extremely unlucky during his spell at Cardiff City and has been unable to live up to the £5 million price tag that brought him to South Wales.
The central defender suffered an injury plagued 2015/2016 season with continuous knee and groin problems and also became infected with malaria.
However, whenever Manga has appeared in a blue shirt, you can witness an enormous amount of potential that has seen him being linked with sides in the Premier League over the past few months.
Trollope should do his utmost to keep the defender at the club over the summer, whom if remains fit, would be an excellent partner for Connolly.
FABIO
Trollope is a real fan of the Brazilian full back and looks likely to be ahead in the pecking order to Scott Malone for the first Championship fixture of the new season.
The full back is known for his energetic attacking abilities as he constantly overlaps his wingers to offer support. He will be looking for more starts this season under the new boss after appearing just 26 times in all competitions.
However, the Brazilian does need to improve the defensive side to his game over the summer, as he often over plays near his own 18 yard box.
CHRIS GUNTER
The club has not had an impressive right back since the days of Kevin McNaughton who was labelled as a legend for his consistent performances over the years.
This is an area where Trollope needs to strengthen as Lee Peltier has been very average this year and hardly sets the world alight.
A former right back that would be welcomed back with open arms at the Cardiff City stadium is Chris Gunter.
The Reading defender, who is currently on international duty with Wales at the European Championships in France is a full back that is very much suited to the Championship and someone who makes the right back position is own.
Is this realistically Cardiff’s dream defence for next season? Would you change the defence from last season or bring in new additions?
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 3:54 am
Never been a fan of Gunter personally but do believe we have good defenders.
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:45 am
Gunter is nothing special. Peltier is a very solid defender but isn't so much of a wing back so it depends what system we play. Either way Fabio should be our no.1 right back next season.
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 8:13 am
Amazing how some Cardiff supporters knock our local boys? We sold him for 3m where as we never had a decent offer for Super Kev and that's the only reason he stayed! Gunter has played in Premiership and has 60 plus caps and yet he's not good enough for us,JOKERS!
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 8:34 am
I like Peltier's defensive qualities - strong in the tackle, decent in the air, never afraid to 'get involved' which every Championship side needs plenty of.
Malone/Fabio - neither are the best.
Malone/Fabio - neither are the best.
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 10:57 am
ianto13 wrote:Amazing how some Cardiff supporters knock our local boys? We sold him for 3m where as we never had a decent offer for Super Kev and that's the only reason he stayed! Gunter has played in Premiership and has 60 plus caps and yet he's not good enough for us,JOKERS!
Jokers??
Go on, then...how many times has Gunter played in the Premier League and how long did he stay there??
He wasn't wanted at Spurs, despite his high opinion of himself and was hugely disrespectful to the club and its fans after he left us (I remember his comments and subsequent taunting in the corner all too clearly)
Gunter is (at best) a 'steady' player and if the only qualification to play for Cardiff City FC these days is to be Welsh, then I guess he would be a target
For me (and it appears others) Gunter isn't the 'quality' answer and made his bed (as Joe Ledley did) when he disrespected both the club and fans he was happy to leave behind. Why would we want him/either back?
Gunter (like Ledley) is clearly not for me but that is just my opinion, just as you have yours. Difference is that I don't have to refer to others as "jokers" just because they don't happen to have the same view!
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Mon Jun 20, 2016 9:10 pm
Sven wrote:ianto13 wrote:Amazing how some Cardiff supporters knock our local boys? We sold him for 3m where as we never had a decent offer for Super Kev and that's the only reason he stayed! Gunter has played in Premiership and has 60 plus caps and yet he's not good enough for us,JOKERS!
Jokers??
Go on, then...how many times has Gunter played in the Premier League and how long did he stay there??
He wasn't wanted at Spurs, despite his high opinion of himself and was hugely disrespectful to the club and its fans after he left us (I remember his comments and subsequent taunting in the corner all too clearly)
Gunter is (at best) a 'steady' player and if the only qualification to play for Cardiff City FC these days is to be Welsh, then I guess he would be a target
For me (and it appears others) Gunter isn't the 'quality' answer and made his bed (as Joe Ledley did) when he disrespected both the club and fans he was happy to leave behind. Why would we want him/either back?
Gunter (like Ledley) is clearly not for me but that is just my opinion, just as you have yours. Difference is that I don't have to refer to others as "jokers" just because they don't happen to have the same view!
Great post mate. I happen to agree with the Gunter and Ledley view as well.
Re: A CASE FOR THE DEFENCE?
Tue Jun 21, 2016 3:27 pm
Did you two numpties watch the match last night?Ledley as captain and Gunter should be our first two signings this season,to get some Welsh spirit and fight in our team?