In the absence of Colwill snr, who's going to play No.10? I'm discounting Robinson because it's never worked out. Obvious candidates amongst the permanent squad would be Turnbull, Robertson and possibly Willock, but Kellyman can play there, and if so, who should then play wide right? Could we abandon an conventional winger and start Kpakio and Ng together on the right with Kpakio to provide the width further forward? He's quick and likes his upfield forays to get the ball into the box or take a shot himself, but is also quick to get back and assist Ng. With Colwill rumoured to be out until the New Year, BBM is faced with our age old "No.10 problem" that Ramsey was supposed to solve 2 years ago. BBM has shown no reluctance to blood youngsters - if so Is Dak Mafico ready to step up?
Id either go with Robertson or Kellyman. Robertson would be the choice that causes least disruptions out wide. Kellyman possibly the more creative player of the two. As you rightly say, there might be a wildcard. Thought Dak was touted as a 6 by BBM. Perrett maybe? Edit: how about pushing Colwill jnr forward?
You're right about Mafico being seen as a defensive midfielder, but Robertson is too. What I've seen of Mafico, and I've said it on here before, he looks like young Ngolo Kante to me who can bring the ball through and make that crucial pass. I quite like Turnbull but he looks a bit dour and lacks charisma for what is essentially a flair position. Joel Colwill would be an interesting choice but he lacks a bit of discipline, much preferring to charge up and down the pitch chasing the action rather than controlling it. Interesting subject.
Glen’s take on it https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport...s/brian-barry-murphy-three-solutions-32932061
I really like your suggestion of Kellyman at 10. If it was to happen then it shows a determination to remain creative and keep the ball moving quickly. I'm in the Kellyman camp
‘Could we abandon an conventional winger and start Kpakio and Ng together on the right with Kpakio to provide the width further forward? He's quick and likes his upfield forays to get the ball into the box or take a shot himself, but is also quick to get back and assist Ng.’ This is definitely worth a go. Let Kpakio loose and he will give the opposition a few headaches.
Not sure of the wording used, but agree with the prospect of playing Kpakio as a winger in front of Ng. A few attackers of note started as full backs. Wasnt Bale a LB at southampton?
Ruben out for 3 months. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport...in-colwill-injury-timescale-revealed-32953280
It's a real shame he is out for a while, not only for the club, but I'm sure he would have relished the chance to play against Chelsea and raise his game as he did against Villa last season. One of these days a Premier League club is going to come knocking. Lets hope we can hold on to him at least until we are back in the championship. Premier League fans blown away after watching Cardiff City star against Aston Villa on live TV | Wales Online
Time for a January window thread? https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-set-strict-january-32956075
If the summer is anything to go by, it could be a short thread in terms of rumours. I do wonder if BBM has now had chance to get an in depth look at the squad with one or two not to his liking. Central midfield and the wings might need some tinkering, but I can't see a glut of players arriving and itll be one in one out, quality over quantity. Ashford, Davies, Robertson, Turnbull, Wintle must all be candidates for 'upgrade'. The players covering the 2 in CM are a bit samey for me. Interesting that BBM has said theyll stick to their strategy and not let issues like Ruben C's injury change that. Outs will be interesting. There hasnt been a comment on Alnwick since the 'he's in the NE dealing with a personal matter' update. Then theres the 5 mentioned above. Zac and Ashford are possibly being played out of position. If a winger arrives they may be surplus to requirements as a striker. Looking ahead, will any of the youngsters on the fringes get 5 months on loan? Itll make it tough for Purse, but may get a few ready for next season.
Just looking at the fuxture list. 9 more games before the year is out. Sat, tues, sat, tues, sat, tues, sat, fri, mon. It feels like there will need to be quite a bit shuffling of the pack. Theres going to be some tired legs. No doubt there will be a suspension or two as well. We're likely to see a fringe youngster or two add to their minutes in that time. Time for BBM to earn his corn. Edit: Jan looks no better. 7 games. Probably 8 if we play a league game on the first FA cup weekend.
