IKE UGBO - OVERRATED OR OVERHATED?

A player that has split Bluebirds supporters so far this season is Canadian forward Ike Ugbo. Ugbo signed on loan for the season from French side Troyes, and despite a decent start he's definitely split The Bluebirds faithful.

Ike Ugbo after signing for The Bluebirds.

Ike Ugbo's season so far:

Ugbo had a dream start to his Bluebirds career as he netted and assisted on his debut at Elland Road with a sliding finish at the back post. Ugbo carried on his fine start with a goal against QPR as he was in the right place at the right time to tap into an open net. Ugbo made it three in four games with a nice finish in The Bluebirds first win of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.

At the time of writing, Ugbo is yet to score since that game against Wednesday. This means he has gone eight games without a goal, this has seen Ugbo get strongly criticised by sections of the fan base.

What's gone right?

When utilised correctly I think he's been quite good. When he presses he causes problems and when he puts himself about he can be a real nuisance, for example, in the Swansea game. I think he's a good poacher and can be sharp and clinical in the box as he has three goals to show for it. Considering expectations weren't particularly high, I think he's started better than people would've expected.

What's gone wrong?

Very rarely is he utilised in his natural role. He's either used as a target man or a winger, neither of which is his natural role. Ugbo's often outpowered in attack which sees The Bluebirds lose the ball in decent areas. When Ugbo presses he is a handful, but he doesn't press often which sees him criticised for being lazy after most games.

Does he fit Cardiff's system?

It's a hard one, I would say not really, but in some games, he's the perfect option. The Bluebirds have often set-up with a target man this season, a role that doesn't suit Ugbo. However, you look at games like Sheffield Wednesday and those games suit him, games where he can utilise his pace and get in behind defences.

Is the criticism he gets justified?

I strongly defended Ugbo when he was scoring, but it's hard to defend him when he isn't scoring. His style means when he's not scoring he doesn't offer a great deal. I think some of the criticism is over the top and unreasonable but I can see where some are coming from. At the end of the day, he's our top scorer and therefore on paper is doing his job, but I think some are frustrated that he isn't the full package.

How can he improve?

I do think it's simple; keep it simple. There's no point in him trying to hold off two or three giants because it won't work, he's better picking up the ball deep and laying it off than making his run. I think he's been unlucky with some good saves and things not falling for him, but I think there's an argument he should be on five or six goals now this season, so I think being more composed in front of goal would see him a lot more successful in his attempts.

Conclusion - Overrated or Overhated?

Personally, I would lean towards overhated. I think some talk about him as if he hasn't offered us a thing this season but I don't think that's the case. He can improve but I think he's an easy target and people are quick to jump on his back. I'm not saying he's perfect and immune to criticism, I just think sometimes the stick he takes is slightly over the top.

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