Midfield mania

Andy Munro looks at Blues’ start to the season.

Blues are off to a good start but, at the same time, have made so many signings I’m losing count. Having said that, they all look good acquisitions but unless Aitor Karanka has got a 1-8-1 formation in mind, we now seem ridiculously overloaded in the midfield department. Certainly, they now need to jettison Kleftenbeld and Davies, stalwart servants to the club though they’ve been.

I’m still not sure how Scott Hogan fits in to the manager’s preferred formation but hopefully the availability of Leko will give us a pacey dimension up front, which we currently lack. So what is my opinion of signings so far?

Andres Prieto: A very good option if Etheridge gets injured
Neil Etheridge: A sound and class act between the sticks at last
George Friend: Influential and calm, with a good physical presence
Adam Clayton: A solid player and good organiser in midfield
Mikel San Jose: Looks like he can be a big influence, again with a big physical presence
Jonathan Leko: If he gets up to speed, lightening quick and powerful. The missing link?
Ivan Sanchez: A very tricky customer with a good engine and footballing brain
Riley McGree: Received rave reviews from Aussieland and if he becomes another Tim Cahill we won’t be complaining
Scott Hogan: A great foil for the Juke IF he plays regularly, which may be in doubt.

Finally, my tip for the next exciting prospect to hopefully come through from the stiffs – Amari Miller.