How will Cardiff strike when the window opens?
THE impact of Callum Paterson has been felt by many outside Cardiff City, largely because of his eccentricity and character, but the Scot may also affect the Bluebirds’ transfer search.
That’s the opinion of Joe Bennett as the striking situation at Cardiff comes to a head with the January window looming large.
With Paterson way ahead of his current competitors in the Bluebirds squad, which strikers could leave in January? And will the man who arrives displace the in-form Paterson in Neil Warnock’s team?
Ahead of Cardiff’s game at Watford – one of five festive games in an intense period before players arrive next month – this is the situation as it now stands...
THE PATERSON EFFECT
The idea of Paterson, previously a right-back converted into a midfielder, keeping the likes of Kenneth Zohore out of Cardiff’s Premier League side would have seemed mad enough at the start of the season.
But what about the Scot keeping out someone like Emiliano Sala, should the Nantes forward sign for Warnock’s boys?
Bennett believes it will be a tall order for the striker who arrives in January, presuming Cardiff land someone in a position they’ve long prioritised.
“He’s been unbelievable for us and I think the manager is talking about maybe bringing a striker in in January, but it’ll be tough to budge (Paterson) out of the team with him scoring goals,” said Bennett. “He’s done really well, he’s got a never-say-die attitude and he just keeps on running. “He’s been a revelation for us.” Paterson’s four strikes since being Cardiff’s centre-forward is certainly an impressive tally, so too the 24-year-old’s energy and endeavour.
THE QUALITY JANUARY ACQUISITION
While Warnock didn’t go as far as Bennett – adamant that Cardiff still need a natural No.9 in January – he did add a caveat in his latest transfer update.
“We’ve spoke about a number of players and even the player we’re talking about signing it doesn’t mean they’re going to be better than what we’ve got,” said Warnock.
The Yorkshireman may have been referring to Zohore, whose ability has never been in doubt with Warnock offering almost weekly updates on the Dane’s attitude. He still hopes the old Zohore will return.
But if he was referring to Paterson, Warnock was bang on.
Cardiff would struggle to replace Paterson’s sheer desire and work rate in that position, so the new man coming in will have a job on his hands.
In short, the player must be of top quality to slot straight into the position. Sala may indeed fit the bill having scored 13 goals in all competitions this season.
THOSE WHO COULD LEAVE
The reality is that with Paterson now a nailed-on striking option for the foreseeable future, Warnock will need to offload players – especially strikers.
Zohore, if he fails to ignite in the next few weeks, could be first out of the door with Warnock close to running out of patience with the enigmatic frontman.
Gary Madine – still without a goal in almost a year as a Cardiff player – could follow suit, along with Anthony Pilkington who was omitted from the Bluebirds’ 25-man squad. Danny Ward should stay as a rotation option.
“There will be certain lads in my mind who will find new pastures as they’re not getting much game time with us,” said Warnock.
“It’s always tough telling a player he’ll have to go elsewhere. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got better players in first.”
Two things appear certain with the January transfer window now almost two weeks away: Paterson will continue until Cardiff find someone capable of challenging him.
And Zohore saloon.
Cardiff’s striking options may look vastly different in a month’s time. is in the lastchance