Cardiff: Central Midfielder Overload

Cardiff City named the princely total of 5 natural central midfielders in the starting line-up for the recent 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.


Injuries have mounted while fatigue is also setting in as Dave Jones tried to juggle his squad. One of those players is young Darcy Blake, the versatile midfielder who has done an impressive job desputising at right back in McNaughton’s absence.


That left McPhail, Rae, Ramsey and Scimeca to line-up in midfield, all favouring a central position. In addition, Joe Ledley was also playing, a left-sided player but one who many feel is more effective in the middle of the park!


Ramsey is a talented youngster with a big future and has adapted superbly to Championship football and a new position on the flank.


On the bench were more natural widemen Peter Whittingham and Trevor Sinclair but both were rested having played just two days earlier at Wembley.


Cardiff City DO have a small squad but injuries in attack (Feeney and Fowler), and depleted defensive options (McNaughton injured, Chris Gunter sold) have been counterbalanced with an exceptionally strong midfield since Scimeca and Sinclair have returned from long-standing injuries.