adminMillwall will regret not making key signing in the summer:
Millwall had a promising transfer window, but the decision not to add more quality at right-back has left fans confused.
Millwall had an overall successful transfer window, but the decision not to sign a right-back is proving to be a strange one.
Millwall head into the second international break of the season, 8th in the Championship table. The Lions have made a strong start in their pursuit of the play-offs after years of coming close.
Alex Neil is yet to discover his best starting XI this campaign, and injuries have seriously hindered his opportunity to do so. The South London side made 11 signings in the summer transfer window and have built a squad that is capable of competing with the bigger clubs.
The Lions strengthened their left-back position tremendously this summer by adding former loanee Zak Sturge and Luton Town’s Alfie Doughty to their ranks. Along with Joe Bryan, Neil has great depth on the left.
In the right-back position, however, Millwall look short on numbers and lack as much quality compared to the opposite flank. Ryan Leonard and Wes Harding have both shared the position throughout this season.
Tristan Crama once operated there but moved to his natural position in the centre of defence after Japhet Tanganga’s departure. Now, there is a clear lack of balance on either side in the defence, and the South London side could regret not signing a right-back in the last window.
Millwall should have signed a right-back
The imbalance of technical quality could cause Millwall some issues as the season progresses. Leonard and Harding have both done good jobs so far this season, but their technical ability doesn’t match up to the way Neil wants to operate.
The Lions’ head coach likes his full-backs to join the attack regularly, and his current right side isn’t known for their threat in the final third. Both right-backs are reliable defenders, but they do limit Neil’s tactics going forward.
The Lions also have Danny McNamara, who can play either position but is unavailable due to injury. It’s clear what position the club needs to fill in January.
Alex Neil must get Millwall out of first gear
The Lions find themselves in a great position in the table despite a mixed set of results throughout the first nine games. Millwall’s home form has been incredibly poor and must improve.
The South London outfit are known to start slowly. However, Neil will be pleased so far this season, especially with his side’s away form. Last term, they only won six games away from home, but are unbeaten in their four games as visitors this campaign.
With the injury crisis slowly improving, the Lions’ head coach should have more freedom with his selection and can try to get his side onto a good run of form.
admin
