22/23 Squad building - Wing wizards
(Image: The Mango Man via HTAFC)
Matt Shaw, Founder.
Twitter: @TTCMatt
So, I’m on a flight to Manila from Amsterdam. We’ve taken off and I dare say that this is the first ever transcontinental And He Takes That Chance article, not to be confused with the fish from the aquatics shop by the John Smith’s Stadium, although the fish are far more pleasant to look at in fairness.
So, let’s see how this goes… and F*&( Sake! The bloke in front has reclined almost immediately and now I’ve as much room as a midfield patrolled by Lewis O’Brien, Jonathan Hogg and David Kasumu, but I shall soldier on manfully. But not before procrastinating a little bit as I turn up the volume on Spotify. I’m listening to episode 3 of a podcast called Boom. It’s directed and produced by Town fan Adam Jarrell who is behind The Offensive, it’s good, really good – so there’s my holiday recommendation. Speaking of The Offensive, I’m absolutely convinced I heard the voice of Erik Van Schmitt as the pilot on this KLM flight and his disdain for our delays read like something from his Offensive transcript. No one else must listen to it though because there was only me laughing, story of my life.
We’re on to the wingers! This article series is starting to reach the crescendo and finally we’ve reached the exciting end of the pitch. As we hit some turbulence and my heart skips around my chest like an ailing defence facing a Sorba Thomas corner, let’s start by talking about the main man himself. Sorba Thomas was 3rd in the league last season for the most key passes, a crazy consistency that no one bettered over long range. Yes, a lot of these came via set pieces but a decent proportion also came from crosses in open play. Next season as like the second half of last will see Sorba be a marked man and the club need to find ways on relieving the huge burden of creativity on his shoulders. Lewis O’Brien (47), Danel Sinani (37) and Duane Holmes (33) were the best of the rest and Danel Sinani having returned to Norwich will need replacing. Whether impending new signing Connor Mahoney can be that man after a couple of hit n miss spells at Millwall and Bournemouth, we shall see.
an;kf;cnk this flight isn’t going well, I’m cramped for space and the flight attendant has just leathered me in the shoulder with the trolley, we’re only just flying over Poland but grubs up soon so I best ‘Krak on’.
The other facet of the modern winger that we need to discuss is goals. Sinani was our 2nd top scorer with 7, it’s not an amazing tally but again, it needs replacing. Duane chipped in with 5, Koroma 4 and Sorba with 3 which shows that this is an area of weakness. Goals ARE spread around the team nicely so it isn’t an alarming weakness but Town either need to find a creator on the other flank to Sorba or an inside forward type who can chip in with goals so that it balances out.
As for the type of player that Huddersfield look for here. Well, you’ve got to work hard, defend in a unit and put the team first. It’s boring, it’s cliche but it’s also true. So, any maverick types who go and do what they want are unlikely to be on any wish lists. Add in that Carlos craves tactical variance and every Town scout now has a headache. Another problem here is that any player who fits that mould but also rattles in double figures for goals and/or assists is very likely to be expensive, come with baggage or be the most unpolished diamond in the mine. It’s not impossible as Sorba last season attests to but it’s not as easy as signing a solid right back on a free from the lower leagues as our man Richard Kosmala frequently says on the pod.
Right, the plane has landed for refuelling in Thailand and as the local mayor Somjai Suwansupana said upon election “Phuket, let’s crack on!”
The systems of Carlos Corberan
The experience matrix indicates that we have five players at their peak or just hitting it which is a good position to be in. Note, this isn’t an indication of quality but rather one in terms of having players at a good age. Aaron Rowe and Danny Grant are also two young players who are hitting periods of their development where they need to be pushing for more first team football. Underneath that, Town coaches are very excited about what the future has in store for both Brahima Diarra and Welsh u21 international Pat Jones.
OUTS
Danel Sinani - Returned to parent club
INS
Connor Mahoney - Free
I know that Danel Sinani was never the most popular Town player but his 12 direct goal contributions (7 goals and 5 assists) leave a hole in Town’s attack. Connor Mahoney has come in but feels a bit more like a project than a direct replacement.
Sorba Thomas
Age: 23
Contract: Expiring 2026
Verdict: Keep improving
What a season for Sorba, some real Roy of The Rovers stuff. I’ve covered the assists and key passes earlier in the article and his rise has been phenomenal. But it shouldn’t stop there. Next season the club will continue to get Sorba to make great strides in his development and will look for him to add goals to his repertoire. If Sorba can add a couple of goals to his set piece delivery, crossing and work rate then he’ll be going to the Premier League with or without us next season. Whatever the shape Town play next season they will all be set up to get the best out of Town’s focal attacking point.
Josh Koroma
Age: 23
Contract: Expiring 2023
Verdict: Make or break.
With 1 year left on his contract I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to label this season as make or break for Josh Koroma at Huddersfield Town. In 20/21 Koroma was magnificent, a real threat to any side in the league but something has gone awry this past season and I can’t put my finger on it. Was the behind closed doors season a fluke? Did covid and other things affect him more than we realised last season? Either way Koroma now needs to prove himself all over again. The good news is that he COULD be the solution to Town’s goalscoring issues in the attacking midfield. In 20/21 Koroma averaged a goal just over every 200 minutes. If you extrapolate that to a full season then it’s almost a 20-goal return. If Koroma is to be successful, he probably needs to listen to the bloke behind me in the Riverside Stand; “GET YER CHUFFIN HEAD UP LAD” he yells every time the Londoner gets the ball. Koroma does feel pre-programmed to cut in on his right and shoot. Again, and again, and again. Koroma needs to learn to go inside and out and to also lift his head more in key areas, if he does this then we should see him rise again.
Rolando Aarons
Age: 26
Contract: Expiring 2023 (1 year option)
Verdict: Move on.
If you listen to the podcast, you’ll know that I was very anti this signing. It’s worked out as I suspected. Aarons unfortunately has had too many injury issues to have had the chance to make an impact. Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses.
Duane Holmes
Age: 27
Contract: Expiring 2024 (1 year option)
Verdict: Useful. Carry on
Oh, Duaniesta is back! Duane has offered a progressive outlet in those attacking half spaces and going forward next season I suspect we will see much of the same from Duane “Dr” Octavious Holmes. Duane has become one of the front running personalities of the squad and has been a good influence behind the scenes. Let’s keep it going Duane. I best lock this off before more Swiss army knife references follow.
Aaron Rowe
Age: 21
Contract: Expiring 2024
Verdict: Pre season scrutiny
We’ve already covered off Aaron Rowe in the right backs section but just in case you were rude enough not to read it ;-)… This pre-season is big for Rowe, similar to Koroma he fell behind last season after a promising cameo in 20/21 so he needs to rediscover the old touch. Injury played a huge part in Rowe’s regression but going forward we need to see him patrolling the flanks with a lot more authority. Aaron Rowebocop if you will… If Rowe is unable to make an imprint on the first team, then a suitable loan need will need finding.
Connor Mahoney
Age: 25
Contract: Expiring 2024 (1 year option)
Verdict: Let’s see what you’ve got!
I’ll be honest, Mahoney wasn’t someone I’d have had on my list of targets but he fits the mould I mentioned in the pre amble where Town will look to sign rough diamonds or spruce up some unloved and unwanted items. At 25, Mahoney is at a bit of a crossroads. Moves to Bournemouth and Millwall haven’t really worked so he needs this move to push his career on. Let’s see what you’ve got, Connor.
Brahima Diarra
Age: 18
Contract: Expiring 2024
Verdict: Pre season assessment
Diarra was covered in the midfielder’s section but can play in both wide attacking roles as evidenced at Harrogate on loan last season. A good pre-season and Diarra could force his way into the reckoning but it’s probably likely that he heads out on loan to League 1. Or Bradford, it’s always Bradford isn’t it….
Danny Grant
Age: 22
Contract: Expiring 2023 (1 year option)
Verdict: Pre season assessment
Danny Grant-A-HA! Running down the wing A-HA! ALL THE WAY FROM DUBLIN BAAAAAAAAY. Grant has been here 18 months now and has had a bit of a tale of woe. Hamstrings, covid, long covid, knocks, niggles etc. Hopefully, this pre-season Danny can show Town fans what he’s about and let’s see if he can push into the first team picture. Grant can play on the left and was a goalscoring left wing/attack at Bohemians and this is exactly what we require, a good pre-season and he’s in the mix. However, with Town testing transfer waters it is likely that the club will find a loan for him - League 1 should be his level and hopefully he goes out, does well and we can finally sing that song. DANNNNNY GRANT A-HA…
Pat Jones
Age: 19
Contract: Expiring 2025 (1 year option)
Verdict: Pre season assessment
‘The Postman’ Pat Jones has been delivering high quality performances for the B team of late so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him work his way into the first team squad by the end of pre-season. With a 3-year contract and a couple of first team appearances under his belt already the club certainly seem to think a lot to the potential of Jones so it’s now time to see him fulfil some of that. If Jones isn’t to be near the first team squad, then the club may consider a loan at some stage this season dependent on cover and who else is out at the time.
Best of the rest
Myles Bright had a couple of games at Chorley last season and the club will look to build on his B team minutes with a loan into non-league. Donay O’Brien-Brady is the other youngster on the cusp of the B team and this summer should see him transition more towards regular B team minutes and he may get a short loan out if no games are scheduled.
WINGERS Verdict
Here are the wingers:
The Flankers
On paper Town actually have a LOT of wide options. Thomas, Koroma, Rowe and Holmes have all shown a lot or at least flashes of quality in wide areas which makes me question as to what level Town may look to make any signings here. Josh Koroma is the enigma, a return to form for him would save Town a lot of money and potentially make them some but he like Aaron Rowe has it all to prove again. Connor Mahoney comes to Town having fallen foul of Millwall’s wingless system and he could potentially be a shrewd move. Back in his native north, he is able to deliver set pieces with a left foot like Danel Sinani was. How Town replace Sinani’s 7 goals though is the question. Koroma has done it, whilst the others are really banking on a breakout pre-season and a Sorba Thomas style rise, can lightning strike twice?
One thing that makes me a little uncomfortable in this area is that Sorba Thomas is far and away the key player here. Town are only an injury or a large late transfer offer away from having to bank on unreliability or unknown quantity like Pat Jones, Danny Grant or Brahima Diarra. All three could come out of pre-season firing but over the 48 games + season Town do need a little more proven quality to sustain their place in the top 6 of The Championship or to make an imprint in a cup.
I’ve mentioned a lot of names above without talking about Duane Holmes. I believe that Duane is better as an attacking central midfielder but finds space well in the final third. Duane offers an important pivot in which Town operate around to get into the final third and his flexibility has been really important. But his haul of 6 goals in 40 games and zero assists perhaps indicates Duane is better in a deeper role and that Town would be better served finding a goalscoring specialist should they want to kick on.
So, let’s have a look at some options Town could sign:
As mentioned in the midfielders Jack Rudoni, Tino Anjorin and James McAtee can all operate in wide areas. As Rudoni or McAtee get to grips with the speed and physicality of The Championship Town may see them (if signed) as better served on the left whilst they bed in. The physicality questions obviously aren’t aimed at Tino as we saw what an absolute menace he could be when he came on away at Coventry in April.
Dapo Afolayan - With apologies to my mate Chris Markham, Bolton’s Afolayan has shown enormous promise at The University of Bolton Stadium. Wait, the University of Bolton Stadium?? It will always be ‘The Reebok’ to me and should be protected as such. Anyway, back to Dapo… After being released by West Ham he showed a lot of promise in his speed and trickery in League 2 before really kicking on last season and registering 14 goals and 7 assists. If Town are willing to spend any money this summer, then I’d nudge them in Afolayan’s direction. He’s a late(ish) bloomer who at 24 is now developing into a really potent outlet; there’s goals, assists, pace, ball carrying ability and by all accounts a good work ethic and thirst to improve. Come on Leigh, get that bid in before this one fly’s out of reach.
Anthony Scully is further proof that West Ham tend to release decent wingers. That’s Sorba Thomas, Afolayan and Scully all released from the self-proclaimed ‘Academy of Football’. Scully scored 15 goals for a diminishing Lincoln last season including 7 assists. Scully also bagged 16 the year before with 9 assists and at 23 is the right age to develop further. Definitely one to watch.
Ayoub Assal at only 20 is another intriguing option. Showing pace, skill and flair for a struggling Wimbledon, Assal managed 10 goals in league and cup despite The Dons succumbing to relegation. Town don’t really need more right wingers to develop from B team to first team but Assal looks to have a bright future and is another I’d be nudging Town towards if they had a little more loose change floating about.
Paddy Lane is another promising player who would probably be more development based but has shown excellent potential at Fleetwood. Lane has the ability to play wide and central and chipped in with 5 goals last season and 8 assists. Not bad for a debut season for the 21-year-old. There’s also a ready made Beatles number in here ripe for the singing.
Due to Town’s style, I think that Dapo Afolayan is the ideal candidate. Afolayan brings speed, ball carrying, a different dimension on the counter as well as goals. There may be some hesitance that last season could be a one off but having seen him over the last few seasons I still think the best is yet to come. It’s likely that Town have this window only whereby Afolayan is in our ballpark, if he carries on last season’s form then clubs with more money and pulling power are sure to take notice.
