THE EXCITING CARDIFF CITY ELEVEN FOR THE FUTURE
- ccfcinsider
- Oct 18, 2024
- 5 min read
As has been well-documented, Cardiff have somewhat of a Golden Generation on the horizon. Therefore, I've given myself (the somewhat difficult task) of building a Cardiff team with players only under the age of twenty-four.
GK - Matt Turner (22)
It's thought from within the club that Matt Turner is highly rated and from what I've seen, granted it's limited, I see why that could well be the case. Turner is a strong shot-stopper, especially at close range, and is also confident on the ball. Despite the fact Turner is yet to make his City debut at twenty-two, I still feel in the next two or three years there's a real chance Turner could well be City's number one.
RB - Raheem Conte (21)
Right-back was an extremely difficult choice. Ronan Kpakio has stepped up so well in his two games so far, however I've opted for Raheem Conte. One of the most blessed players on both feet I've seen for a long time at Cardiff. Conte's athleticism makes him a strong fullback. Conte has shown in his limited games for Cardiff that he's already capable of mixing it in the Championship. I feel Conte brings something that Cardiff have needed for years down the flanks, that being pace.
RCB - Will Fish (21)
Another one that was difficult. It was between Fish and Fagan-Walcott, two defenders that bring different things, but both as effective as each other. I've edged for Fish purely for the fact I think he's a leader. At twenty-one you already see him organising and just being a leader at the back. Fish has had an okay start at City, with signs of being a promising young defender.
LCB - Jesper Daland (24)
The one non-negotiable. Jesper Daland has shown promising early signs of developing into a top level centre-back. Daland is composed on the ball, with the 24 year-old capable of short passes, long passes or carrying the ball out himself. The Norwegian is also strong in the tackle and is commanding in the air. At twenty-four there is still so much room to grow for Daland.
LB - Joel Bagan (23)
Another that was awfully difficult. Luey Giles so unfortunate to miss out, admittedly I think Giles' ceiling is higher than Bagan's, The 23 year-old just edges it for now, purely because if we're looking short term (2-3 years), Bagan is the steady option. Bagan offers intelligence from the back line, as he's capable of picking a line-breaking pass. The Irish youth international is also improving defensively each week and becoming stronger.
CDM - Eli King (21)
In terms of balancing out the midfield, King is suited to that. King has strong on the ball capabilities, with a neat passing range. The 21 year-old is also capable of contributing in the final third as shown with recent loan spells. I also feel King breaks up the play well and can play a somewhat of an anchor role in the team, sitting deep, picking passes and protecting the back line.
LCM - Alex Robertson (21)
Such an exciting and gifted footballer, just the type of midfielder Cardiff have craved for so long. Robertson ticks so many boxes that you'd want in a midfielder. The 21 year-old is already an important player for The Bluebirds, due to his ability of picking a great pass, breaking up play and all-round just oozing quality.
RCM - Rubin Colwill (22)
Another that was really a no brainer. It's scary to think where Colwill could be in two or three years. An extremely gifted footballer capable of turning a game on it's head. Once Colwill can find that final bit of quality in the final third, the world is his oyster. Colwill has improved on the defensive side of his game, becoming a stronger player in recent months.
RW - Ollie Tanner (22)
Another that is coming into his own this season. Tanner is adding bits to his game that were missing from last season, and that is seeing him become a more prominent name in the side. Tanner's defensive abilities for a winger are impressive. Tanner is also adding in the forward area, becoming less of a 'one trick pony', instead becoming an unpredictable winger.
LW - Isaak Davies (23)
I'm not too keen on putting Davies out wide, but I do feel like he needs to be in this side, and he also offers something out wide, as goals from wingers are important. Davies offers blistering pace and allows you to get behind back lines. As mentioned already, Davies has also shown his goal scoring capabilities in his recent spell with Kortrijk, something hopefully he can continue in a Cardiff shirt.
ST - Roko Simic (20)
Despite a quiet start at Kortrijk, I'm still hopeful and excited by Roko Simic. The 21 year-old is a very well-rounded striker. The Croatian is a physically imposing striker and can play the target man role comfortably, with an excellent back-to-goal ability. Simic is also impressive in link up play and works hard in and out of possession for the team. The striker is comfortable on both feet and is capable of scoring all kind of goals.
Substitutes:
Purely because of how many good names have missed out, I've chosen to also do a bench:
GK - Ewan Griffiths (18) - Griffiths showed a good shot stopping ability in his first few games for the 21's, as well as commanding his area well. I feel it's another keeper with a high ceiling that is only improving.
RB - Ronan Kpakio (17) - Has to involved somewhere. It's fair to say the right-back position at Cardiff is in good hands. Kpakio is capable in attack and defence, and similar to Conte adds pace to the side.
LB - Luey Giles (18) - So close to putting Giles in. Offers a different profile to Bagan as more of an attacking fullback with a lethal cross. A massive threat due to his ability from set pieces. Crazy that Tom Davies and Josh Beecher haven't been discussed, as they're also two promising left-backs.
CB - Malachi Fagan-Walcott (22) - Wanted Fagan-Walcott in here somewhere as I feel he has a huge role to play in the future. Different sort of profile to Fish and Daland, a quicker defender who excels on the ball, but also strong in the challenge.
CM - Joel Colwill (19) - The ceiling is so high for Joel Colwill. A gifted footballer whose a grafter for the team. Such a talented all-rounded player.
CM - Dakarai Mafico (17) - One I rarely see mentioned, but I'm a huge fan of Dakarai Mafico. The type of tenacious midfielder any side would hate to play against and also comfortable on the ball.
LW - Cian Ashford (20) - Did feel a bit crazy leaving out Ashford, but I guess that shows the quality in the ranks. Ashford still has so much to offer, a great turn of pace as well as impressive footwork, and one hell of a strike.
ST - Kion Etete (22) - I still feel there’s plenty of room for Etete to grow. The 22 year-old is gifted with the ball at his feet, which is surprising due to his build. Etete is a capable player when he puts himself about, something he now needs to do on a more consistent basis.
ST - Michael Reindorf (19) - Did feel strange leaving Reindorf out, but watching him and Simic compete for that striker spot is bound to be exciting. Reindorf too is an all-round striker who is more than capable on the ball shown by his impressive link-up play, and abilities to beat a man. A strong finisher, as well.
Summary:
Wow. That was hard. I still feel I've missed out some names. Adeteye Gbadehan, Isaac Jefferies, Freddie Cook, Tan Nyakuhwa just to name a few. However, it was refreshing that it was so difficult.
This is the best batch of academy players Cardiff have had in a long long time, there's now big responsibilities to turn that into a big group of players capable of performing in the Championship.
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