We are now four competitive games into the season and the elephant in the room is growing larger by the week. How on earth are Cardiff City ever going to score a goal in the Premier League?
Is it time to roll the dice and gamble on Danny Ward or should the Bluebirds stick with Kenneth Zohore in anticipation of him finding the net some time soon? Let’s take a look back before we go forward and anticipate Warnock’s next move.
Danny Ward signed for Cardiff City from relegated Rotherham on the 23rd June 2017 for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £1.5 million pounds. Warnock had been keen on the striker since he’d left Rotherham and had initially tried to sign him in the 2017 January transfer window, only to be knocked back by the Millers. Ward was hopeful of linking back up with a manager that he had previously had success with and so it appeared to be a football match made in heaven.
Ward began the season on the bench as Warnock stuck with the in-demand Kenneth Zohore (remember when Cardiff City turned down an offer over £15 million for him?). The big man was the undisputed number one striker and he initially seemed to cope with the pressure well, scoring a late, late winner at Burton. Ward it seemed would have to bide his time.
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Five wins in a row later, the Bluebirds travelled to Craven Cottage to face a struggling Fulham side (they weren’t always the media’s darlings) and went behind to a Ryan Sessegnon goal in the 75th minute. Step forward Danny Ward, a 73rd minute substitute for Zohore and keen to make his mark. He rose highest to nod in a teasing Liam Feeney cross and send the travelling hordes delirious as the Bluebirds remained unbeaten.
Little did we know how important the point would be for Cardiff City and how important the lost 2 points would be for Fulham…
Four goals in 18 matches wasn’t an astonishing return, but to be fair to Ward, his first season with the Bluebirds was cut short by a serious injury in January (hence the huge outlay on Gary Madine) and his goal against Forest away remains my goal of last season. Now he is back to full fitness and big Ken is struggling, is it to time for Ward to be given his chance?
One of Cardiff City’s biggest weaknesses is in the final third of the pitch. They have been solid at the back since Warnock took over and have only conceded 41 goals in 49 league games since August 2017.
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With the arrival of Victor Camarasa, Harry Arter and Joe Ralls’ emergence as a genuine Premier League midfielder (not to mention Aron Gunnarsson still to come back for the Bluebirds), the midfield is as sturdy as it has ever been. So attention turns to the attack, where Cardiff City have really found it hard this season.
Whilst Kenneth Zohore undoubtedly has the potential to be a good Premier League striker and the pace and build to cause most defences problems, his positioning and tendency to run the channels means Cardiff often lack a central presence.
Often the ball will break wide to Hoilett or Murphy only to find that Zohore has dropped deep to link up play or has run with the ball into the channel, leaving a gaping hole in the box. This is where Ward’s strengths lie.
Danny Ward can, and will, run the channels all day long, has an enormous work ethic and engine. He is also far more likely to be found chasing knock on’s and harrying defenders in the box, looking for a simple chance.
This is exactly what Cardiff City have been missing; a fox in the box. Someone to capitalise on a loose ball or whipped-in cross and tuck away the good creative play that Cardiff can generate through the likes of Murphy, Hoilett and Reid.
Ward showed the kind of work ethic and high energy he is renowned for on Saturday against Huddersfield and is a genuine alternative to the so far, largely ineffective Kenneth Zohore. He can offer something different for the Bluebirds and right now, something different is what is needed.
Ward has also demonstrated throughout his career that he can play in a at least three different positions, see below for an overview of where he has featured courtesy of www.transfermarkt.co.uk:
Competitive matches played: 207
Goals scored: 38 (average of 0.18 goals per game)
Assists made: 35 (average of 0.16 per game)
Matches played as Centre-Forward: 127
Matches played as Left Winger: 61
Matches played as Right Winger: 17
As you can see, versatility is one of his key assets and whilst this may have worked against him in the past, as managers may not see him as an out and out striker, it may be exactly what Cardiff City need right now. Whether that’s in a number 10 role or out wide.
Incidentally, he provided the most assists from the right wing which is not necessarily where you’d expect to find him.
I’m Gary Madine’s biggest fan and would love to see him score our first goal, but right now I think we need someone who will spend the majority of his time in and around the area, ready to pounce when the chance arises rather than a platform to build from (which incidentally I believe Camarasa can be given time).
Danny Ward already feels like a new signing, but can he also be the saviour for Cardiff City? Let’s give him a chance to answer that question.
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