Mon Oct 30, 2017 11:57 am
' Control the middle '
By Chris Wathan
Monday 30th October 2017
Cardiff's midfield found it hard to impose themselves on Millwall and failed to establish a rhythm to dictate the game's tempo.
Loic Damour’s physicality could bring an injection of combativeness to the centre, with the pairing of Damour and Ralls possibly providing a more sturdy platform from which the front four can go and attack. Craig Bryson has done well but looked a little jaded against Milwall and could do with a rest.
If Tomlin does come into the side, he will have to fulfil a number of defensive duties to avoid being labelled a 'luxury player'. Warnock knows how much gritty work is necessary in a Championship midfield.
Therefore, he should instruct the ex-Bristol City man to form the point of a triangle with Ralls and Damour to ensure midfield stability, providing Aron Gunnarsson's absence continues.
Damour and Ralls will invariably seek to break up play and win the ball back, and should Tomlin float just ahead of them he would be an ever-present option for a forward pass.
His role in front of a flat two would be an effective proxy for a slick counter attack or to simply calm the pace of the game and provide added control in the middle.