IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:40 am
Straight to the point:
My View:
These costly in the long run.
LEE TOMLIN WONT BE FULLY FIT TILL MARCH & THEN IS UNRELIABLE / JONNY WILLIAMS WELL HIS PAST & PRESENT SAYS PLAYS ONE IN FIVE GAMES.
Personally these two need to be gone come June.
Tomlin costs us £25,000 a week and Williams might be cheap but is he??
YES: Kieffer Moore
Sheyi Ojo
Harry Wilson
Josh Murphy will only get better given a run and has shown glimpses of his quality since Big Mick arrived
There is plenty of strength in depth there says Glen Williams.
Thursday 11th February 2021
Here's a quick rundown on what the key players can offer up.
Kieffer Moore
If he's fit, he's the first name on the team sheet.
Tuesday night's win over Rotherham aside, Moore has netted in each of Cardiff's games under McCarthy, who after the Severnside derby victory over Bristol City once again wasted little time in reminding everyone that he once signed the Wales international at Ipswich for just £20,000.
Everyone in Wales knows exactly what the giant striker is capable of, but McCarthy, having laid down the groundwork for the player's development during their time at Portman Road, will feel he can get even more out of Moore over the coming weeks.
With 11 goals in 24 appearances to his name, Moore is clearly the best finisher available to McCarthy and there's no question his height and physicality is the stuff of nightmares for defenders at this level.
Perhaps the one concern to emerge with Moore this season is the level of responsibility placed on his broad shoulders when it comes to scoring goals.
Sheyi Ojo
Having recently been paired up with Moore up front in recent weeks, the winger has certainly done his bit to remedy that burden, netting two goals and earning one assist since the Yorkshireman took the reigns.
McCarthy was left purring at the forward's cool finish against Rotherham on Tuesday night, a goal that hints at a killer instinct that was sorely lacking earlier in the season.
Ojo is one of two players who have arguably benefitted from the flexibility of the current 3-4-1-2 system at the moment.
"He is a very good player and he is getting his chance, playing up front with Kieffer," McCarthy said after the Rotherham win. "He has great ability and he's quick as well."
While being deployed as an out-and-out striker, the nature of the system means he is free to drop back into the hole alongside Harry Wilson, and even drift out wide as part of a front three if needed.
Indeed, a hefty chunk of his 19 touches (a tally he will admittedly need to improve) against Rotherham were in wide positions.
The ability to slot into that fluid system could prove crucial for anyone hoping to get into McCarthy's plans, and Ojo will feel he's done more than enough to prove himself lately.
His importance to the team is growing by the week.
‘ Harry Wilson ‘
The fellow Liverpool loanee has responded brilliantly after being left out of McCarthy's first two starting line-ups.
After coming off the bench to provide an assist against Millwall, Wilson then set up goals against Bristol City and against Rotherham on Tuesday night.
After so much promise, Cardiff fans are finally starting to see the best of him in a Bluebirds shirt and many feel it's down to him being deployed in that number 10 position.
However, as with team-mate Ojo, McCarthy's system similarly allows for certain flexibility, and Wilson too has often plugged in the gaps out wide when required.
Given this is a player capable of both threading the ball through the eye of a needle and fizzing in a teasing pinpoint cross towards the far post, the ability to drift between the two roles suits him down to the ground.
Make no mistake, the 23-year-old is good enough to play anywhere across the frontline and, if fit and firing, has to be considered a nailed-on starter.
Josh Murphy
Neil Warnock couldn't really get the best out of him, nor could Neil Harris, but many still believe there's a talented player in Josh Murphy just waiting to burst out, and his wonderful assist for Joe Bennett's winner on Tuesday night was a timely reminder of his capabilities.
Murphy perhaps boasts the most pace out of anyone on this list, but there have always been questions over his end product.
Like Wilson, there's also some debate over where his best position is.
Many would understandably view him as a winger, but his struggles to light up games have caused some to speculate whether he might be better suited to a number 10 role.
McCarthy clearly has the former Norwich City man in mind ahead of the coming run of games, and it will be interesting to see what role he's given in the weeks ahead.
"He's been unlucky to not be starting, but the other lads have been good," McCarthy said
"But when you're sat watching, you have to make to make an impact when you get your opportunity."
His main competitors for a place in this XI appear to be Wilson and Ojo at the moment, but with both players in such great form, he may have to wait a little longer for a meaningful opportunity.
Lee Tomlin injury prone / unreliable / but can change a game big time
In terms of technical ability, there's not many better in this Cardiff squad.
In fact, there's not many better in the Championship.
Tomlin was the bright spark that so often inspired City during their most difficult times last season and is a player capable of producing a moment of magic from absolutely nothing.
One of the big positives of the Neil Harris reign is that he brought out the best in him. One of the big negatives was that he clearly relied too heavily on his individual brilliance.
McCarthy is hoping to have him back before the end of the month following the player's long-term groin injury, but there's arguably no guarantee he'll come back into the starting line-up given the form of others.
Tomlin's best position is in that number 10 role, which is obviously being capably filled by Wilson.
Can they both play in the same team?
On paper, absolutely. But McCarthy will almost certainly have to shuffle his pack in order to make that a reality.
Jonny Williams. Injury prone through out his career and still injury prone, plays one in five games.
The questions over whether Tomlin and Wilson can play in the same team will have lingered regardless of Jonny Williams' arrival in south Wales.
The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the Bluebirds after picking up a knock in training following his deadline-day move, but could well be in contention for Saturday's clash with Coventry City.
McCarthy was delighted to have captured the former Crystal Palace star, but there are inevitably going to be questions about where he fits in given the wealth of attacking talent that will soon be available.
Having dabbled in a deeper role during his stay at Charlton, could he perhaps partner either Joe Ralls or Will Vaulks in midfield?
Dropping either player would be something of a big call, while McCarthy has also made little secret of his admiration for Marlon Pack.
It feels almost sacrilegious to suggest it, but one also has to wonder if he's even been brought in as a first choice option at all.
Of the 18 appearances he made for League One Charlton Athletic earlier this season, Williams started just seven of them and was an unused substitute six times.
If he's not commanding a regular place in the starting line-up at League One level, is he really going to force his way into this team? The jury's out on that.
Still, one can't overlook the fact that this is a player McCarthy knows inside-out.
If anyone can get the best out of him, it's the current Cardiff boss.
My View:
These costly in the long run.
LEE TOMLIN WONT BE FULLY FIT TILL MARCH & THEN IS UNRELIABLE / JONNY WILLIAMS WELL HIS PAST & PRESENT SAYS PLAYS ONE IN FIVE GAMES.
Personally these two need to be gone come June.
Tomlin costs us £25,000 a week and Williams might be cheap but is he??
YES: Kieffer Moore
Sheyi Ojo
Harry Wilson
Josh Murphy will only get better given a run and has shown glimpses of his quality since Big Mick arrived
There is plenty of strength in depth there says Glen Williams.
Thursday 11th February 2021
Here's a quick rundown on what the key players can offer up.
Kieffer Moore
If he's fit, he's the first name on the team sheet.
Tuesday night's win over Rotherham aside, Moore has netted in each of Cardiff's games under McCarthy, who after the Severnside derby victory over Bristol City once again wasted little time in reminding everyone that he once signed the Wales international at Ipswich for just £20,000.
Everyone in Wales knows exactly what the giant striker is capable of, but McCarthy, having laid down the groundwork for the player's development during their time at Portman Road, will feel he can get even more out of Moore over the coming weeks.
With 11 goals in 24 appearances to his name, Moore is clearly the best finisher available to McCarthy and there's no question his height and physicality is the stuff of nightmares for defenders at this level.
Perhaps the one concern to emerge with Moore this season is the level of responsibility placed on his broad shoulders when it comes to scoring goals.
Sheyi Ojo
Having recently been paired up with Moore up front in recent weeks, the winger has certainly done his bit to remedy that burden, netting two goals and earning one assist since the Yorkshireman took the reigns.
McCarthy was left purring at the forward's cool finish against Rotherham on Tuesday night, a goal that hints at a killer instinct that was sorely lacking earlier in the season.
Ojo is one of two players who have arguably benefitted from the flexibility of the current 3-4-1-2 system at the moment.
"He is a very good player and he is getting his chance, playing up front with Kieffer," McCarthy said after the Rotherham win. "He has great ability and he's quick as well."
While being deployed as an out-and-out striker, the nature of the system means he is free to drop back into the hole alongside Harry Wilson, and even drift out wide as part of a front three if needed.
Indeed, a hefty chunk of his 19 touches (a tally he will admittedly need to improve) against Rotherham were in wide positions.
The ability to slot into that fluid system could prove crucial for anyone hoping to get into McCarthy's plans, and Ojo will feel he's done more than enough to prove himself lately.
His importance to the team is growing by the week.
‘ Harry Wilson ‘
The fellow Liverpool loanee has responded brilliantly after being left out of McCarthy's first two starting line-ups.
After coming off the bench to provide an assist against Millwall, Wilson then set up goals against Bristol City and against Rotherham on Tuesday night.
After so much promise, Cardiff fans are finally starting to see the best of him in a Bluebirds shirt and many feel it's down to him being deployed in that number 10 position.
However, as with team-mate Ojo, McCarthy's system similarly allows for certain flexibility, and Wilson too has often plugged in the gaps out wide when required.
Given this is a player capable of both threading the ball through the eye of a needle and fizzing in a teasing pinpoint cross towards the far post, the ability to drift between the two roles suits him down to the ground.
Make no mistake, the 23-year-old is good enough to play anywhere across the frontline and, if fit and firing, has to be considered a nailed-on starter.
Josh Murphy
Neil Warnock couldn't really get the best out of him, nor could Neil Harris, but many still believe there's a talented player in Josh Murphy just waiting to burst out, and his wonderful assist for Joe Bennett's winner on Tuesday night was a timely reminder of his capabilities.
Murphy perhaps boasts the most pace out of anyone on this list, but there have always been questions over his end product.
Like Wilson, there's also some debate over where his best position is.
Many would understandably view him as a winger, but his struggles to light up games have caused some to speculate whether he might be better suited to a number 10 role.
McCarthy clearly has the former Norwich City man in mind ahead of the coming run of games, and it will be interesting to see what role he's given in the weeks ahead.
"He's been unlucky to not be starting, but the other lads have been good," McCarthy said
"But when you're sat watching, you have to make to make an impact when you get your opportunity."
His main competitors for a place in this XI appear to be Wilson and Ojo at the moment, but with both players in such great form, he may have to wait a little longer for a meaningful opportunity.
Lee Tomlin injury prone / unreliable / but can change a game big time
In terms of technical ability, there's not many better in this Cardiff squad.
In fact, there's not many better in the Championship.
Tomlin was the bright spark that so often inspired City during their most difficult times last season and is a player capable of producing a moment of magic from absolutely nothing.
One of the big positives of the Neil Harris reign is that he brought out the best in him. One of the big negatives was that he clearly relied too heavily on his individual brilliance.
McCarthy is hoping to have him back before the end of the month following the player's long-term groin injury, but there's arguably no guarantee he'll come back into the starting line-up given the form of others.
Tomlin's best position is in that number 10 role, which is obviously being capably filled by Wilson.
Can they both play in the same team?
On paper, absolutely. But McCarthy will almost certainly have to shuffle his pack in order to make that a reality.
Jonny Williams. Injury prone through out his career and still injury prone, plays one in five games.
The questions over whether Tomlin and Wilson can play in the same team will have lingered regardless of Jonny Williams' arrival in south Wales.
The midfielder is yet to make his debut for the Bluebirds after picking up a knock in training following his deadline-day move, but could well be in contention for Saturday's clash with Coventry City.
McCarthy was delighted to have captured the former Crystal Palace star, but there are inevitably going to be questions about where he fits in given the wealth of attacking talent that will soon be available.
Having dabbled in a deeper role during his stay at Charlton, could he perhaps partner either Joe Ralls or Will Vaulks in midfield?
Dropping either player would be something of a big call, while McCarthy has also made little secret of his admiration for Marlon Pack.
It feels almost sacrilegious to suggest it, but one also has to wonder if he's even been brought in as a first choice option at all.
Of the 18 appearances he made for League One Charlton Athletic earlier this season, Williams started just seven of them and was an unused substitute six times.
If he's not commanding a regular place in the starting line-up at League One level, is he really going to force his way into this team? The jury's out on that.
Still, one can't overlook the fact that this is a player McCarthy knows inside-out.
If anyone can get the best out of him, it's the current Cardiff boss.
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Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:55 am
OPINIONS?
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:21 am
when you take a view of the abilities within the squad we have the players to totally smash most sides in this division. The big question is can they perform on a consistent basis both as individuals and as a team. I think MM may well be the person to mold that together and get that consistency . We are 8 points adrift of 6th place at this point in time. There is no reason that we cannot make up that ground with a decent run, maybe that run has just started 
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:53 am
My personal opinion is that when Lee Tomlin is fit he has to play, his stats last season prove that.
Yes he’s injury prone but is a match winner.
As for Jonny Williams I can see why Mick has brought him in but his stats over the years aren’t anything special and I can’t see him being a success, hope I’m wrong. But for me he would be gone as soon as the season ends.
Lee Tomlin has another year left on his contract so i would keep him and see if he can get fit because he’s unplayable on his day
Yes he’s injury prone but is a match winner.
As for Jonny Williams I can see why Mick has brought him in but his stats over the years aren’t anything special and I can’t see him being a success, hope I’m wrong. But for me he would be gone as soon as the season ends.
Lee Tomlin has another year left on his contract so i would keep him and see if he can get fit because he’s unplayable on his day
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 12:04 pm
I think, given Tomlin's age (32) and recent injury/fitness record, he may be the one to leave depending on whether we can sell him.
He is/was absolutely outstanding when he played but you can't build a team around a player with his injury record.
As for Williams, I have an open mind. At 27 he has a few years in him, particularly when he hasn't played that much football over the years. However, he also has fitness issues and unless he can maintain fitness over a decent period of time he may have to go.
I actually don't have any doubts about Williams' ability unlike others, at times for Wales and other clubs he has looked excellent and actually what we need. I think he could play alongside Ralls or Vaulks as one of the holding midfielders as he can tackle and is sharp enough around the field to be keep the ball moving. I just worry that unless he can stay fit for 35-40 games a season he'll never be at his best. Let's see how he gets on for the remainder of this season and then take a longer term view.
He is/was absolutely outstanding when he played but you can't build a team around a player with his injury record.
As for Williams, I have an open mind. At 27 he has a few years in him, particularly when he hasn't played that much football over the years. However, he also has fitness issues and unless he can maintain fitness over a decent period of time he may have to go.
I actually don't have any doubts about Williams' ability unlike others, at times for Wales and other clubs he has looked excellent and actually what we need. I think he could play alongside Ralls or Vaulks as one of the holding midfielders as he can tackle and is sharp enough around the field to be keep the ball moving. I just worry that unless he can stay fit for 35-40 games a season he'll never be at his best. Let's see how he gets on for the remainder of this season and then take a longer term view.
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 1:56 pm
This is how it seems to be shaping for me:3 across the back with 4 to choose from Brown being the 4th,2 x defensive/holding m/f with Pack as reserve at the mo,the rest of the players seem to be fighting for 3 placings with Moore,Wilson and Ojo currently first choice.NG could break a leg and still be the best option in his position while the other side sees Bennett/Bagan competing for that slot.Unless the current crop lose their form I can't see Tomlin getting anywhere near a starting position.Can't see Williams starting just yet either.
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:27 pm
A fit Tomlin is probably the only game changer we have in terms of creativity.
I would always pick him if fit and keep him despite being 32....showed last season that if fit and given a run of games, he can be outstanding.
I would always pick him if fit and keep him despite being 32....showed last season that if fit and given a run of games, he can be outstanding.
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Thu Feb 11, 2021 6:45 pm
Is sicknote Johnny really a bargain?
50k for 3 months?
Nope.
50k for 3 months?
Nope.
Re: IS THEIR REALLY ? Hmmmmm???
Fri Feb 12, 2021 9:42 am
I think Jonny Williams with be a fantastic player for us at £50k he will be a bargain considering we've paid that for 2 weeks wages to some of Warnocks misfits.
I've seen Jonny play home and away with Wales and the one thing he's got is the ability to go forward even if its on his own. For so long now our only option has been to pass the ball back, but Jonny will offer us something different. He also draws 2 or 3 players to him which will leave Wilson and Moore a lot more free space to move into.
He also lifts the crowd (when we are unable allowed to return). When he has the ball you can hear the volume in stadium getting louder, something we've no had at games in a long while.
I've seen Jonny play home and away with Wales and the one thing he's got is the ability to go forward even if its on his own. For so long now our only option has been to pass the ball back, but Jonny will offer us something different. He also draws 2 or 3 players to him which will leave Wilson and Moore a lot more free space to move into.
He also lifts the crowd (when we are unable allowed to return). When he has the ball you can hear the volume in stadium getting louder, something we've no had at games in a long while.