THREE STRIKERS CARDIFF SHOULD TARGET IN JANUARY
- ccfcinsider
- Dec 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 15, 2024
Cardiff are in need of more depth in the forward line. With Roko Simic expected back at the end of the season, City could be in the market for a striker for the next six months to add competition with Callum Robinson. City need to find forwards that match their needs. With Cardiff's new data approach to signing players, it means signings could come from all across the world.
Ali Al Hamadi (21)
A name that will be touted by many other Championship fans. With just sixty-one minutes of league action so far this season, it's likely the 22 year-old will be on the move on loan in January. Ali Al Hamadi is a complete forward, who possesses a number of key attributes for this position, including competent play with his back to goal, as well as running at defenders. His explosiveness is a major factor in this and, whilst he is technically sound, his physical ability is his major selling point. Al Hamadi likes to run into channels, as well as through the middle of the pitch, making him an unpredictable attacker to defend against. Furthermore, Al Hamadi plays 1-2 combinations with his teammates often and in doing so, creates space and chances. Al Hamadi’s movement is efficient and effective, and this leads me to believe that he is a very mature footballer and knows when and how to press and win the ball back, rather than running all game needlessly.
Youssef Chermiti (20)
Chermiti signed for Everton last summer for a big price tag but failed to make his mark. This season, Chermiti has been hampered with injury but is now returning. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto and Armando Broja all ahead of the Portuguese, City should try their luck with the 20 year-old in the winter window. Chermiti is a pure striker, who mainly operates as the main reference, but has capacities and ability to play alongside another forward. He stands out for his great physicality, explosiveness, sense of goal and eccentricity. Chermiti's outstanding ability to play with the back to the goal is key, protecting the Ball and holding the play. His huge physicality is key there, as it allows him to absorb impacts, being tough to get the ball off him. He perfectly dominates the ball in those situations and plays fast and easy, allowing his team to play in transition to the wingers attacking the space he has created by dragging center backs out of position. He is clever enough to reads teammate´s movements in order to detect spaces, commonly in a vertical way, provided by his elevated pace. He also possesses good aerial game, and is strong in offensive ground duels, allowing his team to construct plays in advanced positions.
Josip Drmic (32)
The experienced forward finds himself without a club at the moment. The 32 year-old has substantial experience. In Drmic's career he's played for FC Zurich, 1.FC Nurnberg, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hamburg, Norwich, Rijeka and most recently Dinamo Zagreb. Drmic has proved exceptional quality, great playing skills and certainly an enviable class in scoring goals. Drmic is strong in the air and excels in interplay and brings his team mates into games. The 32 year-old offers something a little different to those named so far, and to what Cardiff currently have. Drmic can play on the shoulder as well as several other roles, which would add to his value. For a six month gig until the end of the season, The Bluebirds could definitely do worse than Drmic.
Summary:
The forward line needs to be addressed in January. With Cardiff clearly putting a lot of their eggs in the Roko Simic basket for next season and beyond, City need to find a stop gap that can have an influence this season.
Someone that offers that something a little bit different. Whether it's someone who makes runs on the shoulder, holds the ball up or is just a handful, just someone who can add some competition in the forward line.
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