DO THE BLUEBIRDS HAVE A STRIKER PROBLEM?
The striker position at Cardiff City is causing plenty of debate. Whether that is a drop in form, injuries or off-the-field issues, the Bluebirds are in need of a solution for the position that is causing concern at the moment.
The Bluebirds' striker options have left a lot to be desired in the opening months of the season, and it's fair to say they have struggled with the step up back to the Championship.
Yousef Salech:
Appearances this season: 11
Goals: 3
Salech is a huge talking point amongst Cardiff fans. After topping the unfortunate table for most Big chances missed in League One last season (32), the Dane again tops that list in the Championship after fourteen games (10).
Therefore, the 24-year-old's three goals from an XG of 7.40 show the striker is misfiring in front of goal. This sees Salech with the worst XG-to-goals ratio in the division. A conversion rate of just 8.57% isn't something that can really be ignored for your team's talisman.
The big question is whether Salech is doing enough outside of scoring to keep his place in the side.
Generally, it's a mixed bag. Aerially, he is the best Cardiff has. Salech sits seventh for strikers in the division for most aerial duels won, and he competes excellently in the air, which is no shock given his build and style of play.
Salech has shown capabilities of being able to hold up the ball. Whilst the major argument is that the 24-year-old isn't given a fair gig by referees, he battles well and at times can relieve pressure for City, whilst bringing others into play. Charlton at home is a perfect example of Yousef Salech at his best.
The Dane provides great movement in and around the box, which saw so much early success for himself, and is why he still gets so many great chances so consistently.
On the ball is where the striker's flaws begin to show. City's number nine sits eighth in the Championship for possession lost by strikers per game (9.5). With a pass success rate of just 61.2%, there's an evident struggle in possession.
There's no denying he is far better on the ball than when Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed; take his goal against Leyton Orient last season, for example - he never scored that goal prior to BBM's appointment.
I think that point applies to Salech's game in general; he is a superior player to the one BBM inherited. However, as the City head coach has referred to, there's still plenty of room for improvement.
Unfortunately, this season City will be, and has been, punished for wastefulness in front of goal. Whilst that applies to the entire team, when you're topping the table for Big chances missed, naturally eyes look at you.
Take Stoke at home, for example: Salech registered four big chances missed in a game the Bluebirds dominated but drew 1-1.
It has been a mixed start to the season for Yousef Salech. The main agreement will be that the 24-year-old is better than what we're seeing; we know that for a fact. Competition is desperately needed.
Callum Robinson:
Appearances this season: 6
Goals: 2
From a player struggling in front of goal to the most clinical striker in the division so far this season, netting two in just three shots registered this season.
Callum Robinson currently finds himself out of the fold following code of conduct issues. We understand it stems from being left frustrated after being left out of the starting lineup against Watford.
Subsequently, the man who started in his place, Jack Moylan, netted a brace that evening and could've had a hat-trick.
Until Robbo is back in the mix, it's a fairly pointless conversation to have.
Whilst the 31-year-old is undeniably the best finisher at the football club, he's evidently not in the plans of Brian Barry-Murphy, and that's been evident for some time.
With his deal up in June, it appears we could be witnessing a sorry end to the Bluebirds' career of a modern-day Cardiff icon.
Isaak Davies:
Appearances this season: 8
Goals: 0
In his seventy-four minutes of league action this season, the Welsh international somehow finds himself the third lowest-rated player in the entire division.
The 25-year-old now finds himself out for a month with a hamstring issue, a problem that saw him miss the majority of the 24/25 season.
It's well-documented the fitness struggles of Isaak Davies, who has been dealt a harsh card in recent seasons.
Davies has actually had a handful of minutes as a striker this season, having typically been used as a winger in the last couple of seasons.
It's hard to judge his impact having played so little football.
However, what is fair to say, given Davies' injury record, is that it'll be very difficult to build any run of form until he can stay injury-free.
Which, through no fault of his own, has proven difficult in his senior career.
Possible solution?
It's naïve to suggest we'll be seeing any less of Yousef Salech. Ultimately, he has a track record at this level and does boast qualities that are useful for the Bluebirds.
BBM is a huge fan of the 24-year-old, and when he's at his best, it's not really hard to see why.
The Dane has been inconsistent this season, so the lack of competition is probably the last thing he and the Bluebirds need.
A possible solution I think all City fans would like to see explored is Jack Moylan returning up top. The return of Rubin Colwill frees up Moylan to move back into that striker role that saw him net two against Watford and one against Middlesbrough.
When someone is as in-form as the Irish international, it's him you want your big chances falling to at the moment. He also allows the Bluebirds to be more unpredictable, as well as becoming a more dynamic side in attack.
By unpredictable, it allows you to bring Salech into games off the bench; with both offering such contrasting qualities, it could cause a real headache for defenders.
Moylan moving up top is also the only short-term solution available to Brian Barry-Murphy before the January transfer window.
Summary - Do Cardiff City have a striker problem?
In terms of availability, yes. In terms of quality in options, no.
Jack Moylan and Yousef Salech are two strong options to rotate the role for the next month and a half of action.
Ultimately, whilst Cardiff are scoring goals, they could be scoring more. So finding a solution to that will be at the top of BBM's list.
Alternating between the Irishman and Dane is our best solution.
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