POLL: WOL HALF-TERM BLUEBIRD PLAYER RATINGS

These are the WalesOnline Bluebird player ratings for the season so far…

Do you agree, and who is your personal ‘Star of the Show’ so far?


Nathan Trott 8
An outstanding signing who has brought calm and authority to Cardiff’s back line. Eight clean sheets, the second-most in the division, and a save percentage of 73.5% underline his importance. Looks increasingly likely to trigger that purchase option if promotion is secured.[/]

Matthew Turner 6
[i]A dependable deputy when called upon. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and solid enough, but Trott’s consistency has kept opportunities limited.[/]

Ronan Kpakio 8
[i]One of the stories of the season. His explosive runs from right-back have transformed Cardiff’s attacking threat, and his performances earned him senior Wales recognition. Still refining the defensive side of his game, but his ceiling is extremely high.

Perry Ng 8
Had to be patient early on but has grown into the campaign impressively. Offers reliability, experience and leadership, giving Cardiff two strong right-back options.

Calum Chambers 7
Didn't hit the ground running this season. A slow burner who has come into his own over the past six weeks. Now looks assured, composed and increasingly influential in organising the defence.

Will Pysgod 8
Arguably Cardiff’s standout centre-back so far. Aggressive, committed and confident in possession, his passing range has helped launch attacks from deep. A crucial part of City’s defensive spine.

Dylan Lawlor 8
Another breakout star. Incredibly comfortable on the ball and brave in possession, he has drawn interest from higher levels. Defensive improvements since early-season teething problems show maturity beyond his years.

Gabriel Osho 5
A frustrating first half. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm and errors have crept in during limited appearances. The raw tools are there, but 2026 needs to bring continuity and fitness.

Joel Bagan 9
The model of consistency. Defensively excellent, tactically disciplined and dangerous going forward, Bagan has been one of Cardiff’s most reliable performers. An outstanding half-season.

Ryan Wintle 8
Has quietly become indispensable. Controls games from the base of midfield and sets the tempo with intelligence and discipline. A cornerstone of Barry-Murphy’s system.

David Turnbull 6
Took time to find his place, but recent performances — particularly against Chelsea and Stevenage — hint at what he can bring. Needs to maintain that level in the second half of the season.

Joel Colwill 6
Burst out of the blocks and earned international recognition, but momentum stalled. Still a talented operator, though competition for minutes has intensified.

Alex Robertson 6
A frustrating start due to delayed involvement, but signs of quality are clear. His Boxing Day goal against Exeter City could be the catalyst for a strong second half. But that midfield shirt alongside Wintle is still clearly up for grabs, with Robertson, Colwill and Turnbull all fighting for it.

Rubin Colwill 8
A creative force before injury struck. Showed leadership and authority, dictating play and contributing to goals. His absence was felt, but others have admirably stepped up. Too talented for this level.

Omari Kellyman 7
Has grown in influence steadily. Technically gifted and increasingly confident, Kellyman has embraced responsibility in Rubin Colwill’s absence and continues to improve.

Cian Ashford 7
A mid-season dip has been followed by a resurgence. His direct running and movement are returning, making him a real threat as the campaign progresses.

Chris Willock 8
After an underwhelming debut season, he has been one of Cardiff’s most effective wide players. Consistently dangerous and offers a different profile to the rest of the attacking options.

Isaak Davies 6
A quieter campaign so far, largely due to careful management of fitness. Flashes of sharpness over the last month or so suggest more to come in 2026.

Ollie Tanner 6
Injury halted his momentum early, but his recent return provides a timely boost. Will likely be a key figure in the run-in.

Callum Robinson 7
Limited starts but strong returns. Six goals across all competitions is a solid contribution, and his experience continues to be valuable, even from the bench.

Yousef Salech 8
Cardiff’s leading scorer and a vital focal point. Has left some goals out there, too, having scored 11 but his xG suggests he should be somewhere nearer 14. Missed chances aside, his physical presence, movement and goal threat are central to how City function.

A lot of contenders out there for me, as the whole squad deserve credit so far this season!

However, to this point it’s the incredible Nathan Trott in the Bluebird goal, who has impressed me beyond expectations!

Trott has to be player of the season so far, I don't think there can be any debate about that?

Not just his saves but he's very good with the ball at his feet, which is crucial for the way we play. Has a huge amount of confidence too and you need that from a goalkeeper.

Honourable mentions to Wintle, Lawlor, Kpakio and Bagan (who would be my second choice for Player of the Year so far).

Could throw Salech in there too because of his goals.

I also think Willock and Chambers have improved massively after a tough start to the season.

But two players I believe will be crucial in the second half of the season are Robertson and Kellyman.

Both didn't play that much in the first half of the season but are now crucial parts of the team.

Kellyman is just getting better and better. Really hitting his stride now and will be a real asset.

Robertson I still believe is the best technical permanent player at the club. Some will say he may leave but they said that in the summer when it was never on the cards, he'll also stay behind January.

Trott by a country mile

I think you have to go with Trott.

But outfield, I am absolutely made up with how far Bagan has come on.

I think you have to go with Trott.

But outfield, I am absolutely made up with how far Bagan has come on.

I’ve been a Bagan supporter for a few years, and maintained he had what it takes. This season, he has made that full back spot his own, and he will grow further from the experience!

Such a genuine guy off the pitch, too! He did a birthday appearance for my good friend and fellow Bluebird’s ‘big’ birthday after Covid, and couldn’t have been more accommodating!

Trott should have a 9 as well who knows where we would be in the table without him

Bagan has been immense and r colwill has been exceptional shame he's out for probably the rest of the season just glad Kellyman is finally starting to show what Chelsea and villa seen in him

Trott or Salech. Toss a coin. Both have won us matches. Both are the best in their position in the league. We're very lucky to have both. Voted Salech as Trott is dominating.

Bagan for me had to prove himself from boy to man and so nsny on this forum wanted him gone or loaned out i wanted here ever since the Liverpool game he played in you could see he had what it takes of course at a young age he would make mistakes and get knocked off the ball,
But he has improved so much a credit to himself.
Trott had nothing to prove he was quality before he came to us, and glad he did but bagan for me and Ashford a close 2nd.

Tough choice. Nathan Trott been amazing and probably should have voted for him but for some reason I automatically think of outfield players and went for Wintle. He’s controlled that midfield so well this season.

Trott gets the vote at this stage but I have to say a special mention to Joel Bagan. He has been superb and would be a massive miss if he was out injured.

Rubin, Salech and in recent games Kellyman have done well....bit most players have done well with a few exceptions like Osho and Turnball albeit the last few games he has shown promise

Bagan for me with trott close 2nd and Wintle 3rd

Trott overall but outfield either Bagan or Wintle for me. Probably bagan. I am delighted to see how well he has done. Dependable/. Consistent and it has been building for a while. Felt he was one of the better players last season too.

Loving the Wintle redemption arc though. He has been first class. We finally have the player we expected now he has a manager that knows how to improve what he has.

Isaac Davies 6 ??? Definitely an 8 for me

I'm more flabbergasted at Joel Colwill only being a 6. Trott has been the stand out though. A few players have been up and down in form but nobody apart from maybe Osho is having a downright bad season so far

Bagan for me had to prove himself from boy to man and so nsny on this forum wanted him gone or loaned out i wanted here ever since the Liverpool game he played in you could see he had what it takes of course at a young age he would make mistakes and get knocked off the ball,
But he has improved so much a credit to himself.
Trott had nothing to prove he was quality before he came to us, and glad he did but bagan for me and Ashford a close 2nd.

Omg it’s 2026 and I’m finally agreeing with you! Happy New Year to you!

I remember some established posters on here constantly calling for Bagan to be moved on.

It’s difficult to see past Trott but it’s Bagan for me too.

Bagan for me had to prove himself from boy to man and so nsny on this forum wanted him gone or loaned out i wanted here ever since the Liverpool game he played in you could see he had what it takes of course at a young age he would make mistakes and get knocked off the ball,
But he has improved so much a credit to himself.
Trott had nothing to prove he was quality before he came to us, and glad he did but bagan for me and Ashford a close 2nd.

Omg it’s 2026 and I’m finally agreeing with you! Happy New Year to you!

I remember some established posters on here constantly calling for Bagan to be moved on.

It’s difficult to see past Trott but it’s Bagan for me too.

We cannot agree on everything but it's nice now and again to be on the same level happy new year to you also.