The Cardiff City star who's gone from wronged Wales international and Newcastle prospect to a man fighting for his future
The Bluebirds have a big call to make on Will Vaulks as well as the likes of Sean Morrison and Alex Smithies
By Tom Coleman
Thursday 9th December 2021
It wasn't that long ago we saw Cardiff City fans scratching their heads over Will Vaulks.
Social media was ablaze with fury after Rob Page once again overlooked the midfielder for his squad for the Euros.
It perhaps wasn't a surprise given he had been left out of the two previous camps, but the sense of injustice in the capital was palpable.
After all, this was a man who was arguably one of Cardiff's brightest performers at the time and, like the rest of the City squad, was in the middle of a renaissance under boss Mick McCarthy, a point underlined by interest from Premier League Newcastle United, who were understood to be keen admirers.
Now, we are just a few months on and there is the very real possibility that Vaulks could see his career in the Welsh capital come to an end without so much as a whimper.
Once a deserved mainstay in City's midfield, Vaulks is one of several players out of contract this summer, and faces a crucial couple of months in terms of his Bluebirds future.
What's more, the fervent scramble in support to try and get him on the plane to the Euros is unlikely to be repeated and applied here.
Incredibly, Vaulks has become a buzzword for inadequacy for a section of City fans, many of whom are seemingly desperate to pin their team's shortcomings on someone, anyone. On Saturday it was captain Sean Morrison. At the start of the new campaign, it was Mick McCarthy. But for much of this season, it's been Vaulks.
For what it's worth, a large portion of the criticism levelled at the 27-year-old from fans has unquestionably been harsh.
Yes, he has had poor games, and there is nothing wrong with pointing that out. But in a team which is currently still in the thick of things at the wrong end of the table, find a Cardiff player who hasn't.
No one can possibly question his commitment to the cause, nor can anyone accuse him of a lack of hard work or effort.
His comments on the January window in light of Steve Morison's appointment were particularly telling.
Steve Morison:
"We possibly need some more bodies in, in January, if that’s something the club are looking at, I don’t know," he declared while assessing the start of the Morison era.
Given Vaulks hasn't exactly been a firm fixture in this midfield so far this season, his eagerness in welcoming potentially more competition for places might seem odd, but it is just one example of his belief in the collective.
Of course, he will want to play games, and he will be genuinely disappointed if it doesn't work out, but there is little interest in putting himself before the team. That in itself is an admirable quality.
Vaulks may well have technical limitations as a footballer, but his previous good form cannot be discounted when weighing up whether he is worthy of a place in Cardiff's future.
Harry Wilson was the only man to create more chances in a Cardiff shirt last term with 63, while Vaulks created 46 opportunities for his team. He shone defensively, too.
Curtis Nelson and Sean Morrison were the only ones to make more interceptions (60 and 55 respectively), while Vaulks was also the second-highest City player for total tackles. In fact, his tally of 52 was higher than Sean Morrison (51) and only surpassed by Joe Ralls (81).
But Vaulks has not yet enjoyed as much prominence so far this campaign and, against the backdrop of a disappointing overall campaign, some have clearly lost patience.
So, what's the issue? Is it confidence?
Certainly, if Vaulks is reading even half of the stinging criticism lodged at him on social media, it is bound to have an effect.
Confidence was perhaps already on the slide given he was one of several players to lose their way a little under McCarthy, and there is perhaps an argument that he is still adjusting to life under his new boss.
Morison's appointment has largely signalled a move away from his predecessor's safety-first approach in favour of a more possession-based brand of football, and Vaulks was initially full of praise for the changes, suggesting that perhaps a newfound enthusiasm for getting the ball down and playing might be the trick to get his form back on track.
In fairness, there have been promising flashes.
His performance in the win at Preston North End, for example, was a timely return to top form.
But with Marlon Pack clearly a preferred option and with Ralls doing little to damage his value to the team of late, Vaulks simply has to put his hand up more often.
The gruelling nature of the Championship means there are bound to be opportunities over the coming weeks and months. But if he is to have a future in the Welsh capital, he simply must start taking them.
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