JOEL BAGAN: THE IDEAL FIX?

Cardiff City find themselves without first choice left-back Jamilu Collins for the next two months. Winger Callum O'Dowda is likely to be City's stopgap option until JC's return to action. However, I feel Joel Bagan should be under consideration to replace Collins for the time being.

Joel Bagan warming up.

Joel Bagan's Qualities:

Bagan is an extremely intelligent footballer, something the defender often isn't credited with. One of Bagan's most underappreciated qualities is his passing range. This makes him an ideal profile for an 'Erol Bulut fullback'.

The Irish defender is also extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet. Bagan has brilliant composure on the ball which allows him to utilize his adequate passing range.

The 22 year-old is capable of effecting a game both defensively and offensively. Bagan has always been respectable defensively, as well as being able to pop up with goals and assists every now and again.

What makes Bagan an ideal profile?

Bagan's ability to step into midfield and effect play is what makes the defender the ideal fit. If we go back just over a year ago in Erol Bulut's first few Pre Season games, Bagan played the 'inverted fullback' role to perfection. The game against Pen-Y-Bont in particular springs to mind, where Bagan steps into midfield and sets up a goal for Callum Robinson. Granted the quality of the opponent isn't as strong, Bagan looked comfortable.

Bagan has continued to show in this Pre Season his ability to step into midfield has improved. The defender is capable of breaking lines and effecting games more in the final third. Despite playing centre back, Bagan has still been allowed to show these qualities.

Since Bagan has been used at centre-back, the 22 year-old has been strong, something that Bagan had been heavily criticised for in the past.

Joel Bagan is a progressive fullback, something Cardiff need on the left hand side. A fullback capable of breaking lines and helping the team move into the final third easier. Bagan has a good ability to pass the ball but also carry the ball up the pitch.

Bagan's weaknesses:

To give a balanced argument, it's only right to discuss weaknesses that remain in the 22 year-old's game.

Despite Bagan's typical intelligence on the pitch, Bagan is prone to over committing and therefore being caught out and leaving the opposition with an overload against City's defence.

Despite Bagan's stature, the 22 year-old struggles in the air and loses a large amount of aerial battles. Bagan can be bullied in the air at times.

Bagan isn't the quickest, which leaves Bagan vulnerable against nippy wingers, especially if others aren't covering and supporting him. Overall Bagan is ok in one-vs-one defensive situations.

Conclusion - Why is Bagan the ideal fix?

I think Bagan's intelligence is undermined and hardly discussed, and I find it anomalous that people rubbish Bagan being apart of the squad this season. Bagan has the qualities to offer something this season.

Bagan allows Cardiff to experiment. Bagan can replicate the role Ng plays on the opposite side of the pitch, and effect the game in midfield. Bagan is also capable of slotting into a back three when Ng is forward, the role Jamilu Collins played last season.

This also allows Callum O'Dowda to be used further forward, in his more natural winger role. I expect O'Dowda to be given the nod against Sunderland on the opening day, and I agree with that decision, however as the season goes on and the midweek games begin to role in, I think Bagan is a player who should be trusted and given the opportunity to prove his qualities.