CITY SHOULD LOOK INHOUSE FOR SOURCE OF GOALS

CARDIFF CITY SHOULD LOOK TO YOUNGSTER OVER FREE AGENT IN SEARCH FOR SOURCE OF GOALS
By Justin Peach

Cardiff City have struggled all season both when it comes to results and creating chances.

It’s been a frustrating season for many associated with the Bluebirds in a Championship campaign that has seen the sackings of both Steve Morison and Mark Hudson.

Neither manager set the world alight when it came to results, but under Morison, there were signs of progression. Now under Sabri Lamouchi, there will be hope that club can pick up results.

They are running out of time though and in Lamouchi’s three games as head coach so far, Cardiff have lost all three. It’s not entirely convincing and the issues that have dogged them all season remain.

Creating chances seems to be the chronic problem for the Bluebirds and the lack of goalscoring opportunities is a key factor as to why Cardiff face a real threat of relegation to the third tier this season.

They have the fifth worst attack in the Championship when it comes to creating chances according to FBRef, with Blackpool and Huddersfield currently below them. However, there’s an argument to suggest that with both of those sides strengthening in January, whereas Cardiff didn’t, they could soon over take the Welsh side.


So, what is the solution for Cardiff?

They are in talks to sign Conor Wickham permanently, and whilst another striker might be useful, it’s creating chances that’s an issue.

With Callum Robinson their top scorer on four, increasing the creativity in this side is paramount, rather than filling the squad with journeymen strikers.

One answer could be the continued use of Ruben Colwill.

The Welsh youngster hasn’t had a consistent run in the team this season for whatever reason and with Lamouchi and Cardiff struggling for ideas, it makes sense to give the promising youngster a chance in the team.

He thrives as a number ten playing off a forward and given the chance, he could ignite the attack.

The 20-year-old knows what it takes to compete at this level and thus will be confident in his ability to produce some encouraging performances for Cardiff between now and the end of the campaign.

Despite playing just 476 minutes this season, his creative numbers are impressive. He has so far averaged 0.5 chance creating passes according to WhoScored, and compared to his teammates, as well as consideration for his minutes played, he’s still been productive.

Joe Ralls averages 1.3, with Callum Robinson averaging 1.1. It’s a low bar that has been set, but it goes to show that given the chance, Colwill could significantly improve this increasingly blunt attack.

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As a 'fan' of Rubin Colwill, I agree with this report and would love to see him in his natural position more up front harrassing the opposition defence and supplying the forwards with opportunities...

I was interested in his No.1 stats whilst on the field and despite his limited game time, it shows that he is as capable as many of us believe him to be...

Of course, the proof is in the pudding and for that to happen, we have to give him an extended run

Only them will we really 'know' and I for one, believe it's worth a shot...!

Got to say I agree with this post. He hasn't had a proper run in the team, he does have that creative spark only downside is he can sometimes give the ball away needlessly. I would definitely like to see him more involved. Most importantly he's a Cardiff lad him and his family all support Cardiff so you know he obviously cares and will give his best. That's what the club is missing, players that give a damm.

All these people keeping on about Colwill are they his family? Why keep playing a player who is way over rated and has problems actually standing up keeps falling over. He is not the answer at his age he should have proved himself by now.

As a 'fan' of Rubin Colwill, I agree with this report and would love to see him in his natural position more up front harrassing the opposition defence and supplying the forwards with opportunities...

I was interested in his No.1 stats whilst on the field and despite his limited game time, it shows that he is as capable as many of us believe him to be...

Of course, the proof is in the pudding and for that to happen, we have to give him an extended run

Only them will we really 'know' and I for one, believe it's worth a shot...!

Agreed, we don’t have a midfield player who can travel with the ball a commit defenders. Colwill can do that.

The knockers simply don’t know a ball player when they see one but I do agree that there has to be a doubt as to whether his body will stand up to the rigours of Championship football, but we have to test that.

All these people keeping on about Colwill are they his family? Why keep playing a player who is way over rated and has problems actually standing up keeps falling over. He is not the answer at his age he should have proved himself by now.

And at what point has he been given a genuine opportunity i.e. run in the team?

You (and some others) have a downer on Rubin Colwill and that is your prerogative; but at leadt back yourself up with accuracy

I was at Liverpool to see what the boy is capable of; and it's a lit more than some 'regulars' offer

Being 'local' and from a Bluebird family is a bonus for the Academy set up and the supporters but is not a reason to pick him. That must be down to his overall contribution, which is yet to be properly tested

I'd like to see him given a run in the team but I'd also like him to be more intelligent with the ball and use his ability in the best way.

The fancy flicks and tricks are great when we're leading (if anyone can remember what that feels like?) but he needs to know when to play the simple pass and when to simply just hang on to the ball for a while.

He can't be burdened with too many defensive responsibilities (Wintle and/or Rhinomota could cover those) and he'd need to be given freedom to truly influence the game - I'm not sure that we can really afford to give him that freedom in the heat of a relegation battle.

Definitely our best chance of a bit of creativity from midfield though I think.

I'd play Colwill over Ojo every single opportunity. Colwills "moments" are better than Ojos, with significant better link up play and end product.

Ojohas gas a run in a drought. Bench him, try Colwill (at 10, force someone else wide).

Agree he needs a run but there must be an underlying problem if manager after manager has left him out.
Also agree with post earlier about stop with the tricks and flicks and use your brain for the easy pass.

Four Managers (three trainee managers) and a good one now aren't picking him, they must know what he is like in training and what he offers, hopefully he is trying to impress the new manager now and takes his chance if he gets one.

He played last night in the under 21s dident impress so why should he expect to be given chance after chance in the first team. There is a problem with him another easily injured never looks fit don't think he works hard enough. We have to go for experience to get us out of this mess. As for Ojo another who isent up to it seems he can't beat a man to create chances. I'm not having a go at certain players but with few games left of the season we can't put in players just because of their name. We need grafters fighters players who will give 100% for the team.

Just don't think we have the time to give him the run in the team he needs. Luxury at the minute when we need to just some ugly wins.