Cardiff City will be coming into the upcoming season looking to replicate their countries outstanding success in the European Championships in France this summer.
Chris Coleman’s side reached their first major tournament in 58 years, and have played beyond expectations as they reached the semi-finals of the competition.
Unlike the capital city, Cardiff have not set the Welsh fans alight after failing to match their top six ambition that has seen the club make several changes for the new campaign.
Russell Slade has been replaced by the club’s number two, Paul Trollope, and the return of play off winning manager Lennie Lawrence who has joined the club as the assistant manager.
The Bluebirds have not made many high-profile signings so far, but one of their main priorities for the summer will be to retain some of their star players.
The club’s strengths lie in the core of the squad, and Paul Trollope will be aiming for his players to step up to push for a top six finish.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams, identifies THREE players who will form the core of the Cardiff City squad next season…
David Marshall
Paul Trollope’s first priority must be to keep arguably the best keeper that Cardiff City have ever had at the club amid strong interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
The Scottish number one could have left months ago, but his loyalty and passion for the club has labelled him as a club legend.
The Scotsman is one of the stand-out goalkeepers in the Championship and showed that he can compete against some of the best players in the country during Cardiff’s Premier League campaign.
The Bluebirds slapped a double figure price tag for Marshall at the start of the year that showed how indispensable he is to the club.
Marshall has shown that he has the ability to earn Cardiff crucial points from a number of outstanding saves, and as expected will be a big player for them.
Matthew Connolly
The Bluebirds central defender was deservedly awarded with the Cardiff City player of the year for his consistent performances and he will be looking to improve on his excellent season.
Trollope has already witnessed his impressive displays and he will be looking to keep one of his prized defenders at the club.
Connolly is an instrumental figure who leads the back line tremendously. He is organised and significantly helps out his defensive partners with his experience and drive to succeed.
Joe Ralls
The young midfielder was one of Cardiff’s best players last 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 reading 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.
The club will be expecting bigger and better things from Ralls this year, who will be looking to be the next big starlet to come out of the academy.
Cardiff City fans.. Are these core players, the key to your success next season? How good have they been for your club? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!