Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham is not finding the net on such a regular basis as last season, but remains a hugely influential player for the Bluebirds after reverting from his usual wide left role, to a more central position.
It has been evident all season that Whitts was dropping deeper, and playing more centrally than previously. His passing and vision is excellent and he has impressed in the creative role previously held by Stephen McPhail. Both are cultured left footers, but Whitts is more eager to get possession and finds more space than McPhail who was not always available for a pass and less comfortable moving forwards while in possession.
Key to the position switch has been the arrival of Craig Bellamy, who has operated on the left in Whittingham’s stead. Additionally, Seyi Olofinjana’s imposing presence has compensated somewhat for the lack of physique and strength associated with selecting Whittingham ahead of more solid players cuch as Drinkwater or Rae.
Spekaing of his new role within the Cardiff City side, Whittingham told the SW Echo:
‘I`m playing a different role to last season. The gaffer has moved me into a more central role.’
‘I feel I am getting on the ball a lot more this season and finding much more space to be creative.’
‘It`s all about adapting to change and trying to be the best player I can be.’
While the Bluebirds have not shown their best form of late, I do not blame Whittingham for that at all. He has shown a willingness to show for the ball, and a determination to drive us forward – something we have lacked in midfield for some time. He is not a natural central midfielder, but has been in good form and shown himself to be more than capable of fulfilling this role.
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