Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:38 am
Perhaps the standout player in the Algarve was Karlan Grant. He looked a real breath of fresh air and a weapon on that left-hand side in both games.
It is clear to see he has come to Cardiff with the bit between his teeth and a point to prove. There is no substitute for a hungry footballer.
The West Brom loanee bursts pace, strength and a bit of trickery and is exactly what was needed after Jaden Philogene departed to return to his parent club, Aston Villa, this summer.
Grant's goal return at Championship level is exactly what City need. Cardiff need goals from all over the pitch and Grant and Robinson should be able to provide that from the wide areas, with a more potent goal threat still potentially set to come in. Otherwise one of Ugbo or Etete will have to step up.
But the early showings of Grant are encouraging and he has the potential to add a really dangerous dynamic to City's forward line, particularly if someone with the quality of Ramsey can strike up a season-long connection with him.
Grant has scored 40 goals across his last three Championship seasons while playing a fair chunk of his football on the wing. Those are the sort of numbers City need to see from their wingers if they are to have any designs on troubling the scorers at the top end of the table.