Alex Charlton says…
For me, Traoré is the player that stands out the most.
He was a signing I was unsure about but I think he’s offered us some real quality out wide when fit. Not only can he create openings in and around the penalty area, he’s defensively disciplined, which is where Angulo is lacking.
From the little I’ve seen of him, Angulo is incredibly raw, but he’s quick and can beat a man, which is something we’ve been missing for a long time.
I do think he can make an impact but I get the feeling he’ll be used as
an impact substitute. I remember the game against Fulham well and he wasn’t great defensively and beaten far too easily in a tackle, so that’s an area I would like to see him improve. He does offer us something different however, and can inject the pace we need.
As for Chemsdine Talbi, he’s a player I’ve really wanted to see more of.
When he’s been fit and available, he’s often been on the bench — which I’ve found frustrating given his quality. We know he’s got the ability to hurt teams and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him slot back in if he’s fully fit. He’s creative and has popped up with some big goals against top opposition, so I feel he could be a real difference-maker.
Either way, it’s obvious that we’ve been struggling out wide.
It’s hard to fault the recruitment as our January signings have been out injured for a long time and I’m sure we’ll see much more of Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi next season. If we have all fit and available, there’s some decent options for us, and they all offer something different.
Malc Dugdale says…
After the really poor result against Nottingham Forest and the disappointing away loss at Aston Villa, I think cycling in some width may be a good way to change things up for the last four matches.
After scoring a key goal against the filth, I’m really surprised Chemsdine Talbi hasn’t been more involved, but I respect the coaches’ choices while they work out. Recently, Régis Le Bris’ formations and our outcomes have dipped a bit, so a lad that’s scored four and assisted once involved certainly deserves a shot.
I’d agree that Bertrand Traoré can add a lot too and he was really starting to flourish when he got injured, so I’d like to see more of him if fit enough.
Nilson Angulo and Jocelib Ta Bi are both a bit raw, and while they need game time to develop, integrate and show their worth, I’d expect them both to be a little more bit-part than the contributions from a Traoré or Talbi.
If teams have started to work out our MO, it’s time to change it and these wide men can do that.
In terms of making room, Habib Diarra maybe needs some rest and rotation for his own good, so bringing in a wide man whilst resting Diarra and using Enzo Le Fée more centrally may be a breath of fresh air as we take on the final four games and grasp at the narrow chance of Europe that still exists — despite only gathering six points from the last twelve.
We have depth to use and we need to shake out all our options while bouncing back from a dip. Now’s the time to see what we can do, and to see what we need to shop for in the summer, too.
