‘ Five players ‘

In our current squad and assuming everyone is fit, who are five automatic starters and players you believe we should build the team around next season (assuming we stay up)?

I would have Mannsverk and Alves in mine but I'm not including loan players because there's a fair chance they won't be with us next season.

Here are mine:



Salech - best striker we've had in a long time. He can score, physically dominate, brilliant in the air, good at running with the ball and links up well with other players

Ashford - looked a bit raw when he first came into the first team but has now learned how to play in the Championship. Always a threat and has had a real breakthrough season

Bagan - been top quality recently. Playing him at CB has worked. Surprised me this season

Robertson - he had an off night last night but he sees passes that others don't - apart from Ramsey, who we know has to have limited minutes. A very intelligent player

Chambers - really struggled at CB when the season started but as a CM he's been outstanding and arguably a contender for player of the season. Some on here said when we signed him that this is where he should have played - I doubted it but he's been fantastic

Every good or successful team has a spine that they build off.

So my list comprises players we should build off. Not including loan players who aren’t ours.

Salech.
Rubin.
Robertson.
Chambers.
Fish.

I agree. The spine rules.
Howarth
Daland and NEW (captain and leader)
Chambers
Rubin
Salech

Goutas
Robinson
Ashford
Chambers
Salach

Horvarth - he has been a breath of fresh air, not saying Alnwick was poor but Horvarth is an upgrade
Fish - Really starting to come into his own. Taken a while but now looks outstanding
Mannsverk - he is a class act, always willing to have the ball, even when surrounded, he finds little pockets of space aswell, we are starting to notice this and it’s helping us beat the press much easier. Good engine, good range of passing and isn’t scared to put his foot in.
Chambers - Never rated him as a defender… ever. He’s been fantastic in midfield. Breaks play, gets up and down and a Cardiff favourite he likes to kick people lol
Salech - If he keeps improving then he won’t be here long. Gives us so much more than any striker we’ve got

Rubin Colwill, Salech, Ashford, Robinson and Robertson

Salech
Tanner
Ashford
Robertson
Robinson

ALL need decent cover. Defence & goalkeepers need gutting.

Salech
Tanner
Bagan
Goutas

They'd be the only 4 if we're ruling out loan players. They always put in the effort and a decent performance. I would pick midfielders but I think different opposition suits different partnerships in the middle. Although I will say if we're playing a 10 it has to be Rubin, Robertson just isn't suited to that role whilst hes a clas act he hasn't got the ability to go past players like Rubin.

Hovarth salec ashford bagan colwill tanner
4 from the academy for me tanner is in there because he does push on and makes somethung happen out of my 5 ashford is the most exiting and bagan the next joe bennet,
i have been singing his praises since he played against
liverpool a few seasons back.

If there’s no Loan players to be used, and only out players, then my players would be:-

NG
Goutas
O’Dowda
Colwill
Salech

Chambers has been good in midfield, but to me, his passing is very suspect. Robertson and Robinson are also close, as is Ramsey who is utter class, but not completely fit. I have selected NG because of his versatility.

With these players, plus Tanner, Bagan, Mannsverk and Alves, I can’t believe we are struggling. To me it is the tactics, due to the lack of positivity of Riaz.The Burnley match was a prime example with a negative first half and positive second. I know which I preferred.

Salech
Robertson
Chambers
Goutas. (but think he will want to go in summer)
Rubin

If there’s no Loan players to be used, and only out players, then my players would be:-

NG
Goutas
O’Dowda
Colwill
Salech

Chambers has been good in midfield, but to me, his passing is very suspect. Robertson and Robinson are also close, as is Ramsey who is utter class, but not completely fit. I have selected NG because of his versatility.

With these players, plus Tanner, Bagan, Mannsverk and Alves, I can’t believe we are struggling. To me it is the tactics, due to the lack of positivity of Riaz.The Burnley match was a prime example with a negative first half and positive second. I know which I preferred.

My choice would be youth, something we have neglected for so long and as the question in part was who should we build the team around next season then this is my selection.
Salech
Lawlor
Giles
Ashford
Bagan

Lots of you have picked Salech above Robinson and he's just signed a new contract.

Lots of you have picked Salech above Robinson and he's just signed a new contract.

I think that's because Salech offers more in all round play but Robinson has a part to play, maybe they should play together more.