Vital Cardiff City reviews the season on a player by player basis. Today it’s the turn of central defender Glenn Loovens…
Glenn Loovens
Central defence
Loovens has been a superb acquisition for Cardiff City and is growing in reputation. He formed a steady partnership with Roger Johnson but it was Loovens` absence that coincided with conceding goals. Loovens strength and heading were a great asset although he was caught out on the turn on accasions and was too easily pushed off the ball early season.
Loovens improved dramatically with the presence of a solid goalkeeper behind him and he was instrumental in keeping clean sheets as we began to build a good run. There were times where he played through the pain barrier with a damaged foot but acquitted himself well and impressed.
However, Loovens does struggle with his discipline and missed three games on the back of picking up repetitive yellow cards – he accumulated 12 over the season but was not dismissed in any game. Another thing lacking from his game is a lack of goals, with his power and heading ability we would expect a few goals over the season for the Dutchman but while his partner Johnson bagged a few, Loovens ended the season goalless. He must be credited with making a nuisance of himself at corners and occupying defenders but he ought to score some and missed a few good chances.
Nevertheless, Loovens is a defender and a very good one. He will surely start next season in the first XI and if he can maintain his form and improvement he will again be a hugely important figure. There are areas to be worked on but Loovens enjoyed a good year and can be satisfied with his contribution.
Season rating 8
