As the summer is upon us, it is often time for teams to reflect on the positives and negatives of their season.
The Bluebirds finished in 8th place in the Championship and were on the verge of snatching Sheffield Wednesday’s 6th place, before they were defeated 3-0 at Hillsborough to end their hopes.
Cardiff’s failure of snatching a top six place, inevitably saw Russell Slade depart the club and leaving the job in the hands of their number 2 Paul Trollope.
Trollope will assess where he needs to make changes in his side over the upcoming months. An area that certainly needs addressing is the midfield.
Many of Cardiff’s players in the centre of the park underperformed and did not show that spark that was expected from them.
These players include Kagisho Dikgacoi, Fillip Kiss and Sammy Ameobi, who received a large amount of criticism.
Trollope is expected to be given cash in the summer to spend wisely on additions, but what would be Cardiff’s dream midfield for next season. Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams analyses..
Hal Robson Kanu – LM
It is baffling that the Royals have let Robson-Kanu leave on a free as he has been one of their star players all season, and was instrumental for Wales in their qualification for the European Championships in France this summer.
The Welsh international has recently been linked with Cardiff’s fierce Welsh neighbours, Swansea City, but he would benefit more from a move to the Welsh capital.
If Cardiff manages to snap him up in the summer, it would be a bargain acquisition for the club that would go down extremely well with the supporters.
Joe Ralls – CM
The young midfielder has been one of Cardiff’s best players this year and was excellent in all departments.
His stats suggested that he was one of the leading midfielders in the division, as his passing had been spot-on and he created spades of chances for those further forward.
Defensively he was also key, firm in the tackle and read the opposition’s attacks. He has shown remarkable levels of consistency and will be one of the first team names on the sheet for Trollope.
Joe Ledley – CM
The Cardiff born midfielder really was a hero of the Bluebirds faithful, especially after scoring the goal that took them to the 2008 FA Cup final.
However, somehow he was allowed to run down his contract and leave for Celtic on a free transfer, before signing for Crystal Palace later on.
The central midfielder has not played as much as he would like during his time in Selhurst Park and has slipped down the pecking order to Cabaye, McArthur and Jedinak.
If Trollope is given money to spend in the summer, then they should consider the Welsh international who would love to return to his home city.
Alan Judge - RM
Without the midfielder, Brentford would have severely struggled this season and it is expected that Judge will leave in the summer.
His displays for Brentford have been nothing short of outstanding and despite his side struggling this year, he has contributed 14 goals and 9 assists.
The winger’s highflying year came to a miserable end after suffering a double leg break after a horror challenge by Ipswich midfielder Luke Hyam in April.
However, Judge has taken his first steps to recovery and he will be looking to build his fitness up ahead of the new season.
Judge will be looking to improve on his exceptional season and he would prove to be an excellent addition in South Wales.
Cardiff fans.. Would this be your perfect midfield for next season? Are they realistic players for the club? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!