Wed Feb 20, 2019 6:59 am
Cardiff City eyeing a move for versatile English midfielder: Just what Warnock needs
Prasoon Sur | February 20, 2019
Cardiff City are living dangerously on the edge of the relegation zone in the Premier League standings as we go into the business end of the season.
The Bluebirds are placed 16th in the table, having collected 25 points from 26 league outings so far, and are just one point above the drop zone.
While it will be a fight till the finish for them this season, Cardiff City will attempt to make some shrewd signings during the summer transfer window to beef up their ranks for the next campaign.
A recent report by Daily Mail has claimed that Neil Warnock’s side are keeping close tabs on Rotherham United’s versatile and in-form midfielder Will Vaulks.
Apart from Cardiff City, Championship side Sheffield United and an unnamed Italian side are also believed to have him on their radar.
Why he would be a galvanizing signing for Warnock’s side
Cardiff City have lacked resilience this season and failure on the part of most of their midfielders to control the game in the midfield has added pressure on their defensive line.
As a result, the Wales-based outfit have conceded a lot of goals, and this is one of the loopholes which Warnock needs to address before the start of the next campaign.
Their apparent interest to sign Vaulks makes a lot of sense as he has the calibre to add solidity and steel to their midfield, which will lend more protection to the backline while allowing more freedom to the attacking department as well.
Vaulks joined the Millers in the summer of 2016 after proving himself at Scottish side Falkirk and has been a consistent player for them over the past two seasons.
The Englishman played an instrumental role in his side’s promotion from League One last season but might grasp at the opportunity to ply his trade at a higher level.
Predominantly a deep-lying midfielder, he has the capability of plying his trade as a right-back as well as a central defender. He is usually calm and composed when put under pressure, and his versatility is also a big plus as mentioned above.
Further, he gets forward to score goals and create chances. In 32 Championship appearances this season, the 25-year-old has scored five goals and has also registered four assists.
Vaulks also averages 2.3 tackles, 1.8 clearances and 2.6 clearances per game and would be a viable solution for the struggling Cardiff City side.
Provided Cardiff manage to retain their top-flight status, his lack of experience in the same might be an issue, but the player has shown enough promise to suggest he can cut it alongside the best in the business.