' The Ojo and Philogene debate '

' The Ojo and Philogene debate '




By Glen Williams




This is a tricky one, because Cardiff are so devoid of creativity and ingenuity, and both Sheyi Ojo and Jaden Philogene are the most likely candidates to bring those things to the table consistently.

But there is a nagging feeling that these players are just too similar. They both look a million dollars right up until the final moment and that quality evades them. Their fleetness of foot and ability to escape a tackle to set City on a break is hugely positive, but one feels one of them must make room for another striker or different type of forward if Cardiff are going to pose another threat.

Much like Sawyers and Ralls, it might be a case of starting one of Philogene or Ojo, with one replacing the other as matches wear on to ensure that creative spark is fresh throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes.

Both have the same problem. They can do so much right but they can also frustrate when it comes to putting in that final ball or cracking off a well-directed shot. But in my view, out of the two of them, Philogene's performances this season have eclipsed Ojo's and he has more of a right to start.

That then frees Lamouchi up to add another dynamic to the forward line. Sory Kaba will likely get a run now, with Callum Robinson also a seemingly nailed-on selection.

So, does Lamouchi go for broke and add another physical presence up there in the form of Kion Etete? Or Connor Wickham when he signs? Or does he ask Isaak Davies, or maybe Mark Harris, to play off Kaba and make those runs in behind and stretch defence. Much like Harris did alongside Kieffer Moore when he first got into the team under Neil Harris.

Both Ojo and Philogene are talented and both have big parts to play for Cardiff this season, but it might be time to redress that balance in the coming games.