Cardiff are finally playing to their strengths
By Scott Johnson
04/08/16
There has long been the feeling that Cardiff at times are playing with the hand brake on, that they are somehow less than the sum of their parts. On occasion last season, Cardiff’s bench was a far more attractive collection than the players that had been selected in the starting XI.
But a new manager has brought a new approach and a new tactical fluidity may in turn see an upturn in fortunes.
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s indulgent centre back spending spree, Cardiff have had more talented players in that position than they can ever possibly accommodate. Until now.
For too long Matthew Connolly was treated as a spare part, but he since made the most of his opportunities and is now deservedly indispensable.
Bruno Ecuele Manga may well be the most talented player in the whole squad, but injury blighted his campaign last year.
Matthew Connolly is now deservedly indispensable at the Bluebirds
If I’m honest, I’m very surprised he’s still at the club. A very expensive acquisition now entering the final year of his deal, as it stands, he looks set to run down the final year of his deal and leave as a free agent next summer.
It is a situation that favours Manga, but no one will be complaining if he can recapture his finest form and inspire a charge towards the top six.
It still feels like Cardiff have yet to see the best of Sean Morrison and it will be fascinating to see all three play as a trio.
It may take a while to bed in, but it is a combination rich in potential, with Lee Peltier offering solid, dependable back up.
Cardiff are also rather one-paced, which is why incorporating wing backs should be a blessing.
Giving Jazz Richards and Fabio in particular, licence to charge forward will give the side far more thrust and cutting edge.
It also compensates for Cardiff’s lack of wingers.
Pilkington is now often utilised more centrally and Noone impressed in a brief pre-season cameo behind the main striker, so a bit of overdue tinkering may provide the challenge that this group of players, that have become a bit too comfortable, needs at present.
Matthew Connolly is now deservedly indispensable at the Bluebirds
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