With 51 points from 28 games, Cardiff City are currently in the 4th place in the Championship points table. They have a decent chance of promotion, and Neil Warnock will look to maintain the consistency his side have managed to find this season.
The January transfer window gave the manager a chance to improve on his squad and Gary Madine was the only name he managed to add to his roster before the deadline. However, that was not the final deal they make this season, as they have now officially announced their second signing this month.
According to reports, Warnock has managed to land former Nottingham Forest star Armand Traore on a free transfer yesterday. He quit Middlesbrough on mutual consent and did not spend too long without a club as Cardiff City came calling.
His move to Cardiff City stadium is now official and it is understood that he will be up for selection when The Bluebirds take on Leeds United at Elland Road this weekend. But what will Traore bring to Warnock’s side?
A left-back by trait, the Senegalese international can also play as a wing-back and is an attacking minded full-back with gifted technique. He is commendable in the air hardly ever leaves space in behind his flank at the back. He is strong and can hold on to the ball for long periods but his ability to dribble past opponents and reach the by-line to provide crosses consistently makes him a dangerous player.
Having previously played for Arsenal and Juventus, he has enough exposure at the highest level and will be a genuine upgrade on the options at the manager’s disposal this season.
He spent 5 years at QPR before he moved to Nottingham Forest, where he made 30 appearances, 18 of which have come this season. He has two assists in those 18 games and is a decent outlet for his side at both ends of the field.
Though they have found decent consistency this season, Warnock will know that his side need to keep improving, if they are to have a real shot at promotion and both Madine and Traore are sure to help them in this bid.
At 28, a full-back is a marauding unit and though Joe Bennett has not done much wrong this season, Traore adds a different dimension to their backline, which will go a long way in deciding their fate.
He is certainly a better option than Richards and Peltier, who have covered for Bennett at left-back but do you think he is the right man for Cardiff?
