Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has a very precise idea of how he would like his Cardiff side to function. He has stuck rigidly to a 4-4-2 formation only altering it on a handful of occasions and using Koumas behind the striker.
In addition, the full-back position is crucial to Jones’ vision. He wants his full-backs to attack and get forward at every opportunity to supports the stikers and wingers. Jones even seemed willing to sacrifice some defensive solidity for attacking venture.
New signing Tony Capaldi typifies Jones’ stance. A full back / winger who loves to get forward. It also explains Jones’ choice to utilise Joe Ledley at left-back.
We have lost, for no fee, Chris Barker – a solid dependable left-back who would have served us well during the bleak periods last season. However, his pace and attacking intent was not sufficient and he moves to QPR in a good deal for the R’s.
Jermaine Darlington and Kerrea Gilbert were both short term solutions for the Bluebirds. Both lack height and defensive prowess but were good going forwards.
Then why have our full-backs NEVER scored ??
Between McNaughton, Gunter, Gilbert, Rhys Weston and Jermaine Darlington – also adding in the time playing full-back from Neal Ardley and Joe Ledley – are there any goals at all ?
This is a very poor return and a vital area we are missing. If those players are brought in to attack – there should be perhaps 4 or 5 goals a season from that area. Even that few goals could have been very important last term.
I cant even remember these players supplying quality crosses and certainly not cut-backs from an overlapping position.
I don’t know the answer, but the problem does need addressing. We do leak goals but have the players for a very stingy defense and three of the better centre-halves in the division. Tony Capaldi scored 12 goals in his 4 years at Plymouth and can hopefully back a few this season.
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Bring back Andy Legg !!!
Gilbert missed 2 great chances this season.
Must remember though that its ALWAYS our two full-backs who stay back at corners so if they were going to score – have to run length of the pitch!