Cardiff City were given their plaudits after completing the signing of Chris Willock on a free transfer from QPR in the summer. Six months later, how much success have City and Willock had so far?
The thought of Anwar El Ghazi and Chris Willock on each side came hand in hand with City's supporters pre-season excitement...
At the time of writing, Willock has made twenty-six appearances in all competitions, contributing with two goals and one assist. The 27 year-old has primarily played on the left wing, but has played a handful of minutes as a number ten.
Impressive start:
Fans were left impressed after Willock's debut against Sunderland. The winger was City's only real bright spark that day, linking up nicely with Callum O'Dowda. Willock continued his decent form in difficult away games against Burnley and Swansea, with the 27 year-old being one of City's only attacking sparks under Erol Bulut in the Turk's six games.
Form since Riza:
The 27 year-old's three goal involvements in blue have all come under Riza, however, Chris Willock has struggled for consistent game time since Omer Riza's time in charge. Starting ten of Riza's twenty-seven games. The winger has failed to feature in six games since Riza's appointment, with City often needing goals in the games Willock has failed to make an appearance in, perhaps suggesting Riza is reluctant to trust the winger.
Riza has opted for Ollie Tanner and Cian Ashford whenever possible, with both offering far more intensity off the ball on the eye than Willock. Despite this, Willock offers better defensive stats than Ashford, averaging more Tackles and Interceptions per game.
What does Willock do well?
There's no doubt from watching Chris Willock that he is a talented footballer. That's proven by his directness and trickery. Willock is quick and tricky with the ball at his feet. His ability to take on defenders, beat them with pace, and maintain control in tight spaces is one of his standout traits.
He has a good eye for creating opportunities for his teammates. Willock often looks to deliver key passes, crosses, or cutbacks into the box when attacking. His decision-making in the final third is a strength, as he can pick out the right pass or take a shot when necessary. A game that springs to mind instantly is Stoke in the league, Willock played a crucial role in both goals, and was the architect for City in that one.
Willock tends to drive at defenders and push the team forward. He enjoys running at players, creating space for himself and others, and is a constant threat on the counter-attack. Despite his attacking mindset, Willock is also known for his work rate off the ball. He is willing to track back and press high up the pitch when necessary, helping his team win back possession quickly.
What can Willock improve?
I think consistency is what springs to mind. While Willock has the potential to create chances, sometimes his final product—whether it's a cross, pass, or shot—can lack consistency. He could benefit from improving his decision-making in key moments, ensuring that he delivers more accurate and effective crosses and passes into dangerous areas.
Willock has good agility and acceleration, but adding a bit more physicality could help him hold off defenders more effectively. Developing his strength and balance could make him more difficult to dispossess when driving at defenders, as well as allow him to better handle physical duels.
Summary - More Desired?
I think that's fair to say. Willock has shown glimpses of being the real deal, when he's full of confidence, direct and expressing himself on the pitch, we just need to see it that touch more regularly.
At twenty-seven this is a crucial time in Willock's career, and I feel if we can get the best out of him, he could be the catalyst to spring City up the table.
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