' The verdict on Cardiff City's forwards '

The verdict on Cardiff City's forwards after they fire another blank against Blackburn Rovers



By Glen Williams

Monday 26th August 2019



Another Championship fixture has passed us by and we appear to be no closer to knowing what Cardiff City's best forward line actually is.

It's been an inconsistent start from the Bluebirds, to say the least, but they have managed to accrue seven points from their opening five games.

They've made hard work of both of their home wins - a 96th-minute strike against Luton Town and an 88th-minute winner against Huddersfield Town - and been far from convincing on the road, picking up just one point, against Blackburn on Saturday , in their three fixtures.

Before Saturday's encounter, Cardiff had shipped six goals in two games away from home, but their defence was watertight when they visited Ewood Park on Saturday, unfortunately, so was Blackburn's.

So, Cardiff looked to have sorted out their defence, but what of their attack? Joe Ralls, a central midfielder, is the club's top goalscorer, while £5.5million summer signing Robert Glatzel is yet to open his account.

The Bluebirds have five strikers vying for a starting berth and four wingers battling it out for two spots - so who should get the nod?

We give our verdict on each of the attacking players and who should be starting across the frontline.





Robert Glatzel

There is no doubt that Robert Glatzel is a serious footballer. He looks so comfortable with the ball at his feet, challenging in the air and his footballing brain cannot be questioned - his interplay has been second to none.

Adjusting to the Championship, however, is no easy task, especially for a man who has been plying his trade in the German second division. No, he hasn't got a goal just yet, but he is getting up to speed and getting to grips with the physicality of this gruelling division.

Will he be a 15-plus-a-season goalscorer? Debatable. But he certainly looks to have all the attributes to be a hit in this league. He just needs a goal.







Isaac Vassell

Announced himself to the Cardiff City faithful with a dramatic injury-time winner against Luton Town just minutes into his Bluebirds career.

Looked sharp during that stint, but when he was introduced against Reading at half-time he was relatively ineffective. He looks vibrant, though, and is the type of player who could pop up with a goal at any time.

Do Cardiff play the type of football that will get the best out of him? The jury is still out on that one. Even though his goal was a header, you get the sense he would thrive when playing on the shoulder of the defence and causing havoc in behind.





Danny Ward

He has disappeared off the radar. Danny Ward looks to be propping up Cardiff's five-strong striking stable at the moment. He was on the bench against Wigan on the opening day, but after the acquisitions of Glatzel and Vassell has been jettisoned from the squad for the last four fixtures.

Will he get a run out on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup? Time will tell, but looks to be completely out of favour at the moment and miles off the starting XI.




Omar Bogle

Looked destined to be one of the casualties this summer, but after impressing in pre-season and netting on the opening day of the season, a well-taken goal against Wigan, his stock has risen.

Indeed he looks to be leading the race to be Glatzel's back-up and was the preferred option off the bench ahead of Vassell against both Huddersfield and Blackburn this week.

Will Neil Warnock opt for two up top from the start at some point this season? Who knows, but Bogle and Glatzel appear to be a great match and could complement each other extremely well.








Gary Madine

Another who has fallen victim to the two new arrivals up front. Warnock placed his trust in Gary Madine on the opening day of the season, but that fixture was just another to add to the list of games in which he has not scored in a Cardiff City shirt.

The striker has now played 20 games for the Bluebirds and has not found the back of the net in any of them. He looks to be duelling with Ward for that fifth spot in the striker ranks.







Josh Murphy

On his day, the most exciting winger in the league. On his off day, the most frustrating talent in tier one.

His dazzling feet and jet-heeled boots can be a nightmare for any defender, if only he was more clinical with his end product - against Luton this was most evident, missing three really good opportunities in the opening few minutes. He would love to add more goals to his game.

One thing is for sure, though, you'd rather see him in your team running at the opposition defence than the other way around.









Gavin Whyte

Warnock has talked up the signing of Gavin Whyte and, on the little evidence we have so far, you can see why. He is the quintessential Warnock player.

He works tirelessly, he never stops running. He might lack a little of the top quality some of the other wingers have, but he will be important for certain fixtures, especially away from home, at some points this season.

However, if everyone is fit, does he make into the first XI? Almost certainly not.







Junior Hoilett

Junior Hoilett has been in fine fettle in recent weeks. He came on and changed the game against Luton, providing the assist for Vassell's winner, scored the winning goal against Huddersfield in midweek and missed two glaring opportunities against Blackburn to nick all three points.

It is interesting that Warnock has used him in recent games to replace Lee Tomlin in the No. 10 role, could he start there in the future? That's for another debate.

He is an asset in both attack and defence and is an experienced head who knows the Championship inside and out. But is he better as an impact sub?







Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Direct, quick, physical, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has all the qualities to be a top, top winger in the Championship. Some question marks, however, have been raised over his consistency.

His goal contribution is nothing to be sniffed at, either, having bagged 11 goals in 65 Bluebirds appearances, not bad for a man on the flanks. It's undoubtedly a toss up between him and Hoilett for one of the wing spots.

But his dynamism in attack, especially if Glatzel is still failing to fire, just about pips Hoilett in this debate.






Our verdict

Wingers : Mendez-Laing, Murphy

Striker : Glatzel

Hard to disagree with most of that.

I'd also pick the same wingers and striker.

((Midfielders should also come in to it. Tomlin, Ralls and Pack for me when all fit.))

We will never have a 15+ goal scorer due to obvious way we play goals need to be spread out only way get enough goals to get promoted? Last 2 promotion showed that.

Being the sole striker for Cardiff must be the worst position in football. The service to you will be terrible. we play with two wingers who don't seem to do crosses into the box very much,understandable when Zohore was in the team as he couldn't head a ball but less so with a six foot four German who can head a ball. You only need to look at the record of our forwards to see how bad it is.

Madine 20 games 0 goals.
Niasse 13 games 0 goals.
Glatzel 4 games 0 goals
I think if Sala had survived he record now would read something like 14 games 0 goals.

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Personally, I'd stick with Glatzel, as I think he will soon come good

I've liked what I've seen and I'm not too sure he's been helped by those around him with their accuracy and decision-making. We seem to be woeful with that final delivery and that has an effect on the strikers who are often left with looks of bemusement that match the supporters on the terraces!

I'm also one that thinks Josh Murphy has had a decent start to the season without setting the world on fire and the sole reason for that is his poor decision-making at the final point before putting the ball across the goal. Too many times he makes the confusing decision and may (it often appears) to be wanting to be the constant hero. But it's having the opposite effect at the moment, as all it does is provide the boo-boys with the ammunition they so desperately seek

Murphy is a class act when he has the ball at his feet and can pass most Championship defenders with ease. With little more thought and application, he could be one of the players of the Championship and a Premier League target in due course

As for the other strikers, I am happy with what I've seen of Vassell and also Omar Bogle. At the moment, I can't see beyond those but maybe (and I don't hold out much hope) Tuesday's League Cup game might enable one or two to push their claim for a Championship call up

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Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Saturday Cardiff 234 total passes 157 short.
Yesterday Swansea .. 736 total passes 663 short
3 goals scored for Swansea 1 x an overlapping full back, 1 x a winger 1 x a striker from the penalty spot created by a midfielder running into the box, just saying

Our plan B is the same as plan A...with different players !!
Nice to see Tomlin playin g again, made a difference.
Mix it up a bit ...like some short corners/ throwins, GET the other team thinking... 9 out 10 times they know what's coming
And we need to be quicker passing. So far not enjoying it that much, surly NW knows he s been sussed out on rackets... the 2 wins were against POOR SIDES, yes positive we kept a clean sheet away from home, which I would take....Rant Over

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

If I may, I don't think so ,the squad has been in the main kept together for a few years now with an emphasis on power rather than tactical nous and ability with the ball, yes it has had limited success but at a cost, the Club hasn't progressed and won't as long as Warnock has an influence at the Club and to remain competitive with the same group will mean that when he leaves the new manager will have similar ways of playing with more than likely with the same outcome .There doesn't seem to be pathway from the Academy into the 1st team squad who I believe play a more "technical " game of football than the seniors so if they do have a chance then it'll be alien to them as regards playing style .IMO

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Because he’s Neil Warnock!
He has his basic system which has worked over the years and that’s what he does - right or wrong, whether people like it or not and whether it’s good to watch or not.

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Because he’s Neil Warnock!
He has his basic system which has worked over the years and that’s what he does - right or wrong, whether people like it or not and whether it’s good to watch or not.

Roll on May 2nd.

Personally, I'd stick with Glatzel, as I think he will soon come good

I've liked what I've seen and I'm not too sure he's been helped by those around him with their accuracy and decision-making. We seem to be woeful with that final delivery and that has an effect on the strikers who are often left with looks of bemusement that match the supporters on the terraces!

I'm also one that thinks Josh Murphy has had a decent start to the season without setting the world on fire and the sole reason for that is his poor decision-making at the final point before putting the ball across the goal. Too many times he makes the confusing decision and may (it often appears) to be wanting to be the constant hero. But it's having the opposite effect at the moment, as all it does is provide the boo-boys with the ammunition they so desperately seek

Murphy is a class act when he has the ball at his feet and can pass most Championship defenders with ease. With little more thought and application, he could be one of the players of the Championship and a Premier League target in due course

As for the other strikers, I am happy with what I've seen of Vassell and also Omar Bogle. At the moment, I can't see beyond those but maybe (and I don't hold out much hope) Tuesday's League Cup game might enable one or two to push their claim for a Championship call up

Couldn’t agree more mate.
Glatzel is a proper centre forward. He’s got everything that his type of striker needs and hopefully he’ll add a few goals to his repertoire throughout the season.

He works hard, makes good runs, can head the ball, can hold the ball up and has good feet and can beat a man. Of course only time will tell if he can score plenty but he must be kept in the side but rested for the cup game as the intensity and frequency of the Championship is new to him.

For me Bogle is the guy second in line at the moment.

Murphy has had a very good start to the season and must be kept in the 11 for me.
Yes his final ball often lacks and - like most out and out wingers he can be a little inconsistent.
Unfairly treated by lots on here though.

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Because he’s Neil Warnock!
He has his basic system which has worked over the years and that’s what he does - right or wrong, whether people like it or not and whether it’s good to watch or not.

quite surprised at the amount of posts similar to the one your quoting. I thought everyone with any interest in football knew what we were getting. and if not certainly should know after 3 seasons.

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Because he’s Neil Warnock!
He has his basic system which has worked over the years and that’s what he does - right or wrong, whether people like it or not and whether it’s good to watch or not.

quite surprised at the amount of posts similar to the one your quoting. I thought everyone with any interest in football knew what we were getting. and if not certainly should know after 3 seasons.

Exactly.
As much as I like Warnock I’m hoping we’ll go in a different football direction when he retires/resigns from the club.

Just a thought but if we had say a different manager who played on the floor do you think our player's would be able to play that way??? I'm sure they could has we've scored some good goals playing on the floor so why don't warnock play this way???

Because he’s Neil Warnock!
He has his basic system which has worked over the years and that’s what he does - right or wrong, whether people like it or not and whether it’s good to watch or not.

quite surprised at the amount of posts similar to the one your quoting. I thought everyone with any interest in football knew what we were getting. and if not certainly should know after 3 seasons.

Exactly.
As much as I like Warnock I’m hoping we’ll go in a different football direction when he retires/resigns from the club.

Im worried that if Warnock has a say on who the next manager will be we'll end up with Kevin Blackwell/Ronnie Jepson (good old blackie and jeppo) in charge or Tony Pulis or Neil Harris or someone of that ilk. However im also not that confident in our boards ability to find a top manager to replace Warnock either. I just hope Neil doesn't suggest people for the job just cause they're one of his friends.

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Saturday Cardiff 234 total passes 157 short.
Yesterday Swansea .. 736 total passes 663 short
3 goals scored for Swansea 1 x an overlapping full back, 1 x a winger 1 x a striker from the penalty spot created by a midfielder running into the box, just saying

So? Just means they play tapy tap football great if you want that! Add 77% possession and can chill out and put feet up and wait for the action eventually.... 12 shots 6 on target 2 of which was 1st half, where was the passes being played ? Doesnt appear to be near the opposition box as 736 passes 12 shots at goal just saying.. and talking of possession 2 teams with 77% possession or more both at home both lost Fulham spurs ! Dont you love football. Like I said if had better service to strikers we would score more goals despite not passing hundreds of times...but . Cèst la vie!

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Saturday Cardiff 234 total passes 157 short.
Yesterday Swansea .. 736 total passes 663 short
3 goals scored for Swansea 1 x an overlapping full back, 1 x a winger 1 x a striker from the penalty spot created by a midfielder running into the box, just saying

So? Just means they play tapy tap football great if you want that! Add 77% possession and can chill out and put feet up and wait for the action eventually.... 12 shots 6 on target 2 of which was 1st half, where was the passes being played ? Doesnt appear to be near the opposition box as 736 passes 12 shots at goal just saying.. and talking of possession 2 teams with 77% possession or more both at home both lost Fulham spurs ! Dont you love football. Like I said if had better service to strikers we would score more goals despite not passing hundreds of times...but . Cèst la vie!
Ps 232 passes 14 shots 4 on target 39%possession from Blackburn page just need tbe goals

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Saturday Cardiff 234 total passes 157 short.
Yesterday Swansea .. 736 total passes 663 short
3 goals scored for Swansea 1 x an overlapping full back, 1 x a winger 1 x a striker from the penalty spot created by a midfielder running into the box, just saying

was talking to a Swansea fan 2 weeks ago about this and was quite surprised with his take on it..
he said yes its great watching it when your winning but try watching it when your in the relegation zone, your a goal down , the board goes up with 3 mins on it and the team continue to ponce around passing it in your own half .

Let's be honest here Harry Kane would struggle scoring here with the way we play the game. The ball is in the air for longer than its on the floor and the service to the strikers is woeful under Warnock's tactics.
Personally, I'm fed up of hoofball and 20 long throws a game which produce sod all.
Are we really that poor technically that we can't play a bit of football? I don't think so. The likes of Ralls, Tomlin, Murphy, Hoillet and Mendez Lang are all capable of creating exciting football and goal scoring chances for our strikers.
I think it's about time we stopped questioning our strikers and worried more about the way Sir Neil sets us up to play (or not)

The ball is on ground more than in air but it's the service that is crap 2 wingers on pitch but when was last time forward had a great ball to score from? Saturday and Wigan failed miserably with crosses that's the problem not way we play per say....

Saturday Cardiff 234 total passes 157 short.
Yesterday Swansea .. 736 total passes 663 short
3 goals scored for Swansea 1 x an overlapping full back, 1 x a winger 1 x a striker from the penalty spot created by a midfielder running into the box, just saying

was talking to a Swansea fan 2 weeks ago about this and was quite surprised with his take on it..
he said yes its great watching it when your winning but try watching it when your in the relegation zone, your a goal down , the board goes up with 3 mins on it and the team continue to ponce around passing it in your own half .

This is something you see with lots teams I'm always saying to Mrs they know got 3 mins left but do not put ball in pen area at all! how can you score if playing between themselves?

Personally, I'd stick with Glatzel, as I think he will soon come good

I've liked what I've seen and I'm not too sure he's been helped by those around him with their accuracy and decision-making. We seem to be woeful with that final delivery and that has an effect on the strikers who are often left with looks of bemusement that match the supporters on the terraces!

I'm also one that thinks Josh Murphy has had a decent start to the season without setting the world on fire and the sole reason for that is his poor decision-making at the final point before putting the ball across the goal. Too many times he makes the confusing decision and may (it often appears) to be wanting to be the constant hero. But it's having the opposite effect at the moment, as all it does is provide the boo-boys with the ammunition they so desperately seek

Murphy is a class act when he has the ball at his feet and can pass most Championship defenders with ease. With little more thought and application, he could be one of the players of the Championship and a Premier League target in due course

As for the other strikers, I am happy with what I've seen of Vassell and also Omar Bogle. At the moment, I can't see beyond those but maybe (and I don't hold out much hope) Tuesday's League Cup game might enable one or two to push their claim for a Championship call up

Couldn’t agree more mate.
Glatzel is a proper centre forward. He’s got everything that his type of striker needs and hopefully he’ll add a few goals to his repertoire throughout the season.

He works hard, makes good runs, can head the ball, can hold the ball up and has good feet and can beat a man. Of course only time will tell if he can score plenty but he must be kept in the side but rested for the cup game as the intensity and frequency of the Championship is new to him.

For me Bogle is the guy second in line at the moment.

Murphy has had a very good start to the season and must be kept in the 11 for me.
Yes his final ball often lacks and - like most out and out wingers he can be a little inconsistent.
Unfairly treated by lots on here though.

Agree with both posts.
Just need a style of play to suit Glatzel. The keeper booting it up the field is alien to what was happening in Germany. Central Midfield ability is key for him. Feed him balls through the lines/channel and he’ll have a decent chance of scoring.

I know One striker who would have loved playing for warnock KENWYN JONES