WHO IS THE BEST REPLACEMENT FOR RUBIN COLWILL?

Cardiff City's star man Rubin Colwill has been ruled out for up to three months with an ankle ligaments injury. City's squad boasts a lot of talent, but who is best suited to fill the midfielder's boots in his absence?

Rubin Colwill hobbling off injured.

The Bluebirds have several players on the books with experience playing the number ten role in which Rubin Colwill plays. The big issue that does arise for Cardiff and Brian Barry-Murphy is just the shear uniqueness of Colwill's profile and what he offers City. Therefore, Cardiff and BBM now have the difficult task of finding the best player to fit that role for up to the next three months.

Omari Kellyman:

Omari Kellyman in action.

Kellyman is the only other recognised number ten in the Cardiff squad. The 20 year-old was signed for his versatility across the front line, but during his time at Aston Villa, Kellyman was a number ten. Kellyman is a technically gifted, versatile attacking midfielder who combines smooth ball-carrying with creative passing and calm finishing, as well as hard-work out of possession. Therefore with those qualities, Kellyman seems the most natural successor to Colwill. The issue that could arise is can Kellyman's body hack it? With such a nasty injury record, City have to be able to rely on Kellyman, now could be the time to test whether he is ready for that or not.

Callum Robinson:

Callum Robinson celebrating.

Callum Robinson offers something hugely different to Colwill in that role, but the 30 year-old's quality is undeniable. Brian Barry-Murphy has used Robinson as a number ten in the first half of a Carabao Cup tie against Swindon Town. Robinson offers a more attack minded replacement, with his quality in front of goal as good as what this division has to offer, even if the number don't suggest so. The major difference is out of possession, Robinson doesn't offer what Colwill or Kellyman do. Robinson played largely as a number ten during the 22/23 season for The Bluebirds, where he contributed with seven goals and six assists. Another pro for Robbo taking up this role, is that the Irish international has shown glimpses of linking well with Yousef Salech.

Alex Robertson:

Alex Robertson in action.

Robertson was utilised as number ten around the New Year prior to his injury. There's no denying Robertson has the ability to play in the number ten role, it's just whether the Australian is better suited to other roles in the midfield. The 22 year-old is essential in build-up, and perhaps moving Robertson to a more advanced role could hinder that. However, Robertson showed his quality in and around the box on several occasions last season, the midfielder's assist for Meite at Preston last season as an example, or his goal against Plymouth Argyle. Robertson does offer a lot out of possession for City, also. I feel the 22 year-old is better suited to playing slightly deeper, however it is a perhaps proven option that could be considered.

Chris Willock:

Chris Willock in action.

Chris Willock has been essential in the final third for The Bluebirds this season, and has also during his season and a half at Cardiff been used as a number ten. Willock posses evident quality and could make a City more a clinical side if he were to be more involved in games, which is he was moved centrally he definitely would be. The main flaw in Willock trying to replace Colwill is the shear gap in what both do out of possession, and I struggle to see the intense role of what Colwill does rub off on Willock, which could lead to a big struggle out of possession for City. For me, I'd be keeping the 27 year-old on the left, and avoid hindering his great work so far this season.

David Turnbull:

David Turnbull in action.

David Turnbull's success at Motherwell and Celtic largely came as a number ten, despite the Scotsman largely playing deeper during his time in the Welsh Capital. Turnbull has split opinion since arriving at Cardiff a season and a half ago due to high expectations, that the 26 year-old hasn't quite reached. The midfielder replaced Colwill against Northampton, and largely had a positive influence on the game. A return to an advanced position that Turnbull occupied in the early stages of his career, could rejuvenate the midfielder's Cardiff City career.

Joel Colwill:

Joel Colwill in action.

The younger brother of Rubin, Joel could offer something in a more advanced role, something he did in a successful spell at Cheltenham Town. The 21 year-old has shown impressive finishing ability in and around the box this season, with three goals to his name this campaign. Colwill also contributed with nine goals and three assists in a more advanced role at Cheltenham in the first half of last season. Joel Colwill probably doesn't offer the creativity his older brother does, however could match Rubin's intensity out of possession.

Troy Perrett:

Troy Perrett celebrating.

Perrett is more of a left field shout, but the 19 year-old has impressed in his three Vertu Trophy appearances this season, particularly against Arsenal's U21's. The injury of Colwill could be Perrett's clear pathway to breaking into the first team. Perrett is a creative, forward-thinking midfielder who is incredibly gifted, and has already been linked with the likes of Aston Villa. Although it seems unlikely, this could be a huge chance for Perrett to stake a claim.

Summary - Who is the best replacement for Rubin Colwill?

Callum Robinson and Omari Kellyman.

For me it's logical for it to be rotated between Callum Robinson and Omari Kellyman. Both offer undeniable quality, different qualities, but quality that is game-changing for Cardiff.

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