These Cardiff City players must show more in the New Year

These Cardiff City players must show more in the new year


By Glen Williams


Monday 27th December 2021



Sean Morrison – Been dogged by injuries and a lack of form and all that came to a head when he got sent off against Sheffield United. Has set lofty standards for himself over the last few years, though, so write him off at your peril.



Marlon Pack – The sort of player he is, and the style which has now been implemented, he needs to start bossing games. Midfield will play a crucial role moving forward and it's a prime opportunity for Pack to grab the back end of the season by the scruff of the neck.



Joel Bagan – joined after being released by Southampton, Steve Morison said Bagan was "thrown in at the deep end" a little bit at the start of the season and he was almost certainly right. Insiders really rate him and he has shown glimpses with that left foot. Only 20, he has time, and backers, on his side.



James Collins – He will have wanted a better start to life at Cardiff, no doubt. Supporters admire his incredible work rate and attitude, but he's being paid to put the ball in the back of the net and he has just one goal in 23 outings. He has shown he can do that over the course of his career in the lower leagues and will now hope he can kickstart his Bluebirds career.




Ciaron Brown – Defensively has been fairly solid enough when used, but under this new management he will have to adapt his game with the ball at his feet. With his contract up at the end of the year, he will need to show much more in the new year.





Leandro Bacuna – The most frustrating aspect of this is that there is a genuinely useful player in there. Struggled a lot in a more advanced role but hopefully can show just what he can offer in midfield in the back half of the season.

‘ Slipping under the radar ‘


By Glen Williams


Monday 27th December 2021


Tom Sang – Many supporters were excited to see what Sang would bring this year, but he has struggled with that injury to his big toe. It would be great to see him overcome that problem and really contribute in 2022.

Perry Ng – Has spoken candidly about losing his confidence this season under Mick McCarthy and that was clear to see. But he has started to show signs of enjoying life again in this more attacking system. Back him to recapture his form from earlier in 2021 next year.

Will Vaulks – Another who was frustrated at his diminished role under the old regime. Has actually had some positive games since the change of management, though. Hopefully a sign of things to come moving into the back half of the season.

Dillon Phillips – Had his shot at the start of the season but fell victim to the poor defending in front of him and let in a bucketload of goals as a result. McCarthy felt a change was needed and Alex Smithies has the No. 1 shirt now, but Phillips has hardly been terrible.

Sam Bowen – A player whose influence was starting to go on an upwards curve before a plantar fascia injury. Fans are looking forward to having him back and it will be interesting to see if he can bully his way back into the side again when fit.

Kieron Evans – Really impressed during a late cameo against Fulham and got his just rewards with two starts shortly after. He's been brilliant for the under-23s and hopefully that form will show itself regularly in the first team soon. Has also had injuries.

Mark Harris – A couple of goals to his name but has largely been tasked with impact outings from the bench late on when City have been chasing matches. Will want to bulk up his goals and assists tally in the next few months.

‘ Making steady contributions ‘


By Glen Williams


Monday 27th December 2021



Alex Smithies – Has not been without fault since coming into the side, but that can be said for most goalkeepers. Has in general been steady enough, but his kicking still sometimes frustrates.

Curtis Nelson – No player has played more minutes for Cardiff this season that Curtis Nelson, proof that managers really trust him. He is prone to the odd error, but also throws his body on the line and makes an uncanny number of blocks.

Rubin Colwill – Consistency will be key for the young playmaker, but in his position that is particularly difficult. Has shone brightly on a number of occasions and is probably City's most exciting attacking player with the ball at his feet. Has a big part to play in 2022.

Isaak Davies – Has shot on to the scene in recent weeks and we are starting to see what the hype was all about. He is lightning quick and offers something a little bit different. Excited to see what he brings in the back half of the campaign.

Kieffer Moore – Just starting to move up the gears a little bit. He is Cardiff's top scorer with five goals and there are signs he could hopefully hit the ground running now. Still so important to the way Cardiff play, even if he hasn't been at his dazzling best at times.

Morrison get badly exposed in a back three, far too much space for him to cover. There are a few seasons left for him on a back four. I'd go and find a club who are committed to a back four if i were him

Pack- not quick enough for the championship whatever system we play

Bagan - not sure it was fair to any youngster playing for Mick

Collins, Ok back up for Keiffer

Brown- Will make a career at L2 but never championship grade centre half

Bacuna - Our most mobile central midfielder but not disciplined enough to be in a 4231 base of a pivot and definitely not an attacking midfielder. Can never really recall him and Ralls in those two holding roles but i would pick him over Pack every time

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He is not that old. He only turned 31 the other day so should be able to make up with experience what he may have lost in pace,( though i dont think he has ever been the quickest of strikers.)

Well under McCarthy we became non league material to such an extent I felt McCarthy planned his way out of the club.

Since Morison has taken charge there has been improvements BUT is it going to be good enough to survive. We have 2 very difficult games coming up that could see us in the bottom 3. We now have a backlog of games that is the last thing we needed with such a young squad and old experienced players. It is going to be one heck of a battle and yes our squad will need to show more to survive.

Time to step up .......