GRADING CARDIFF CITY'S SUMMER SIGNINGS

With the January Transfer Window fast approaching, I think now is a fair time to look back on the business done in the summer and grade how well the summer recruits have done.

The Summer Transfer Window:

Because of such a hectic opening months of the season, the Transfer Window seems many moons ago now. Cardiff recruited from a mixture of Europe and closer to home in the UK, debuting a new data based approach to signing players, which has been successful at many clubs, but has it been successful at Cardiff thus far?

Chris Willock - C-

Chris Willock walking out at the CCS.

It's been a topsy turvy start for Willock in the Welsh Capital. After a promising start, the winger then found himself out of the team. Under Riza, Willock has been utilised as a winger on both sides, a number ten and even a striker, but in City's most recent outing against Stoke played as an inside forward off the left and looked comfortable and creative, so hopefully the twenty-six year-old will be able to build on that in the coming months, and start turning these moments into consistent performances every week.

Calum Chambers - B-

Calum Chambers applauding supporters.

After a rough start in the Welsh Capital, Chambers has settled and become an important player for City. Forming a strong partnership with Dimitrios Goutas, Chambers' leadership skills are evident from the stands, with Cardiff a far more organised unit when Chambers is in the side. A recent dip in performances still doesn't take away from the twenty-nine year-old's influence. Chambers' ability to break the lines and getting his body in the way at vital moments has seen many supporters become fond of the ex-England international.

Anwar El Ghazi - C

Anwar El Ghazi pre-match.

After ten months without kicking a ball, El Ghazi has grown into a Cardiff shirt. The twenty-nine year-old's intelligent runs make him a handful for the opposition, picking two goals so far with those exact runs. Some are still hoping to see more from El Ghazi in a Cardiff shirt, and I'm probably in that boat as well, but I'm encouraged by his return from injury, and am hopeful AEG can really kick on now in blue.

Wilfied Kanga - D-

Wilfried Kanga in action.

Things just haven't clicked for Wilfried Kanga in the Welsh Capital. I have a minute hope that this new system suits Kanga, but based on what we've seen so far, Kanga has failed to adapt to the Championship in anyway shape or form. After a short stint leading the line, Kanga has had little chance since, having to usually make something of his five minutes cameos which is unlikely for any player. If nothing changes over the festive period, it's fair to assume Kanga will return to Hertha Berlin.

Alex Robertson - A

Alex Robertson celebrating.

Signing of the summer. Still can't really believe Alex Robertson is a Cardiff City player. An extremely gifted player on the ball, and a grafter off of it. The midfielder has become a prominent figure in the City midfield, and was key in City's good run during the month of October. Robertson relentless style has been refreshing to see and is something Cardiff City have missed for years and years. We're looking at a player that will go eight figures.

Jesper Daland - B

Jesper Daland in action.

An extremely unlike Cardiff City defender, but Daland has been a breath of fresh air when called upon. After a brilliant start in the South Wales Derby, Daland has had to be patient but has been reliable when called upon. Daland has continued to show his capabilities on the ball, and dominance off of it, and looks like a real good piece of business. At twenty-four, there's still plenty to come from the Norwegian international, as well.

Will Fish - C-

Will Fish in action.

The most difficult one to rate due to how little we've seen of Fish. From what we have seen, Fish seems like a real good prospect. A leader and strong in the challenge, and at just twenty-one offers City a long term choice in that position. As City continue to leak goals, it's not too unrealistic Fish may soon have his chance in the first team.

Roko Simic - N/A

Roko Simic signing for Cardiff City.

Obviously I cannot rate Simic as he's yet to play a minute for Cardiff City. An unsuccessful loan spell at Kortrijk could likely see Simic be recalled, and possibly see his first minutes in the coming months. Who knows?

Summary:

Despite many believing otherwise, except for the odd one, I think Cardiff had a successful window. Signing players that we don't typically recruit, and that's added more energy to the squad.

If Cardiff continue with this recruitment strategy, there's no doubt in my mind we will begin to see a clearer and better style of football that will be more attractive to watch. A big January window awaits!

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